Mr. Speaker, my question is on behalf of thousands of people in coastal communities along B.C.'s west coast.
The minister of fisheries has staked a great deal in pursuing quiet diplomacy to resolve the west coast salmon dispute with the Americans. Yesterday the chief Canadian negotiator resigned, claiming it would be naive to continue with this present policy.
Does the minister agree with the views of his former chief negotiator? Does he now acknowledge the abject failure of this preferred approach? Will he please advise the House and the west coast fishers of the government's next—