Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question. I think the member's expertise in the area of international law is acknowledged by everyone in the House.
The member is correct that last year we had some difficulties on both the west coast with respect to salmon and on the east coast with respect to Icelandic scallop. Canada took direct action and action by way of negotiations to try to resolve our differences.
This year Canada's jurisdictional rights over Icelandic scallop is acknowledged by the United States, not challenged. This year we have completed the negotiation of a successful agreement governing the transit of Yukon salmon as a consequence of aggressive action last year. This year we are back at the table negotiating on Pacific salmon.
We much prefer to talk. We much prefer to negotiate. We will go to the nth degree to settle our differences by agreement. However we warn all those who are listening that we will not sit and talk while the last fish is being caught.