Mr. Speaker, half the time that a member of Parliament who represents the coastal area in Canada calls DFO, he is calling for a simple question such as when is the clam season going to open. It is not really complicated.
Let us take a look at the facts. The combined budget of DFO and the Coast Guard has shrunk by $44 million, forcing the elimination of search and rescue helicopters and other services. Is this why the minister has placed the gag order on his department? Why else would he apply pressure to control what DFO officers and employees are saying to members of Parliament?