Mr. Speaker, that is the point I was making, the reversal of roles. This is the importance of a debate like this because there is no question it has happened before and it is happening now.
We have a minister of the Crown, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, who is captive to the chemistry between these various departments. He named the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade who tries to delicately work its way through diplomatic channels. We have seen a breakdown of diplomacy at the highest levels in the world in recent months, and it is not unlike what is happening with this issue as well. Therefore, we are a bit hostage to that whole process.
The point that the member for St. John's West made, and the one common theme throughout his speech, dealt with leadership. This is the point where the Prime Minister of Canada must speak out and might have to take a risk in terms of international diplomacy with those other countries, but doing it in a way which probably would not be as risky as we might think.
We could draw on some of that international capital which Canada has legitimately built up over the years with successive governments. It is not like we are an outcast in the international community. Canada has a high ranking despite some of the shortcomings of the present government. It is time to draw on some of that political capital and for the Prime Minister of Canada to take a lead role, along with his other ministers, to ensure that this happens.
We have a renewable resource that is on the brink of extinction and we can legitimately ask the rest of the world to help us preserve those species that are at risk which is costing this economy, this country, and the future of areas like Newfoundland and Labrador and other parts of Atlantic Canada, including my own area where we used to have a very vibrant ground fishery. That ground fishery has virtually disappeared in the last number of years.
We can do it, and it is up to the government to show leadership. Again, going back to the speech made by the minister. I have made a psychic slip and already have him as minister of fisheries. That might happen some day and I hope it does.
The common theme throughout the member's speech and what we are all echoing in the chamber today is the theme of leadership. The Prime Minister has a perfect opportunity. If he is talking about leaving a legacy, this would be a lasting legacy because we are talking about the future generations of our country. We are hoping the Prime Minister can and will do that.