Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for his question.
This proposal, which originated with the quick thinking of the Minister of Transport who is looking for ways to consolidate, to build efficiencies and to save the taxpayers money, has been today officially approved by the Prime Minister. The merger of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard will result in some 168 vessels, including 42 offshore vessels, working together, hand in hand.
We saw an example last week of how putting coast guard vessels, officers and personnel, and DFO personnel together working efficiently for Canada contributed greatly to sustaining, to building and to protecting our offshore resources. I thank the member for his question.