Mr. Speaker, when it comes to making his case, having ensured that he used a good source for the information he has just given to the House, the member has lost his fingernails. He is skidding on his chin.
I know the member has a genuine interest in the health of the salmon stocks. The individuals in the case in question, because I checked yesterday, pleaded guilty. They entered a guilty plea and it was accepted by the court. The amount of product in question, contrary to reports in British Columbia, which were erroneous, was not $1 million. It was $70 and it was confiscated by the court and returned to the crown.
On the question of whether or not there was confusion and whether these individuals had been advised, I am told by a lawyer that they had a right to engage in this fishery. The judge came to the conclusion that there was sufficient doubt and that no further penalty would be imposed.
With respect to future activity of this sort DFO will prosecute. There can be no doubt that charges would be laid and substantial fines for those who engage in this kind of activity.