Mr. Speaker, the supreme court ruling regarding Donald Marshall and native fishing rights has led to chaos on the east coast and uncertainty across the nation. The judicial ruling is unclear yet this government is unwilling to ask the supreme court for clarification.
Clarification is required regarding who the beneficiaries of the treaty are, what DFO's regulatory powers regarding the native fishery are, what the definition is of moderate income, what the geographical limitations of the treaty are, what rights the existing commercial fishery have and how far-reaching the decision is. Is it limited to eels or does it affect lobster, snow crabs, forestry, oil or more? Finally, how much will it cost?
It is time for the fisheries minister to get involved so these issues are clarified and all Canadians know where they stand regarding this decision.