Mr. Speaker, the speech from the throne promises to "promote the long term conservation and revitalization of fisheries in Canada". Those are nice words but what have the Liberals actually done?
The Liberals have cut funding to salmon hatcheries in British Columbia, a proven enhancement program. They have cut funding to sea lamprey control on the Great Lakes, a proven conservation program. They have implemented groundfish management plans on both coasts which are unacceptable. Their plan will put B.C. ground fishermen out of work. So much for revitalization. They have strangled fishermen by the wallet with a $50 million tax grab when fishermen can least afford it.
The only thing that has been conserved and revitalized by this government is the ivory tower on Kent Street and the minister's office decor.
I call on the minister to restore funding for conservation and enhancement, cut his bloated bureaucracy and consult with ground fishermen on both coasts to ensure viability in the fishery.