Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to see that the member for Sackville—Musquodoboit Valley—Eastern Shore shares our interest in protecting fish habitat.
The fact is that the part of the sea in question will be subject to an environmental assessment under the direction of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board. DFO was on the fisheries advisory committee and will be assessing it.
The member also should be informed that the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board Fisheries Advisory Committee has requested a six month delay. That time should be used to good advantage by fishermen, DFO and others to ensure that the habitat is protected.