Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for his first question this session in the House.
The fishermen in his riding and in adjacent ridings are concerned about a number of things, including licence fees. There have been tremendous consultations on that and many changes. The licence fees are set for 1996 but there is some flexibility for 1997.
On the criteria for reduction to a foundation fishery, the rules were basically agreed to in principle by the fishermen. There is some flexibility and so we can look at that.
Concerning quotas, we will be quite happy to look at that. My department is very sensitive to the needs of the people in the fishing industry.
We have told them over the last three weeks that we are looking forward to talking with them after they vacate the departmental offices.