Mr. Speaker, according to recent data produced by biologists, the situation of groundfish is alarming. Stocks are not returning to anticipated levels, which could compromise the next fishing season.
In light of the very real possibility that the federal Minister of Fisheries will impose a moratorium, there is increasing concern in Quebec's maritime regions. Now is the time to plan the assistance to the communities that will be affected by this moratorium.
Will the Minister of Fisheries give a positive response to the repeated requests of his Quebec counterpart to set up a federal-provincial committee to discuss the groundfish issue?