Madam Chair, as Canada's Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, it certainly has been a pleasure for me to be here tonight to tell my hon. colleagues about the work being done in our department and on behalf of all Canadians.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our stakeholders, the team that helped prepare for the debate tonight, as well as all the dedicated public servants who are committed to delivering excellence to Canadians through their work and support of our mandate at DFO.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank all the government members who have participated, the opposition members who have participated, and you, Madam Chair, for putting in a late evening.
I also want to say many thanks to the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans and the Senate Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. These committees deserve great praise for their hard work, their dedication and their significant contributions to our department.
It is our government's goal to maintain long-term sustainability of our fisheries and oceans, and to get the job done, we will place policy grounded firmly in science over politics.
Through our past investments and our economic action plan, we will ensure that our fisheries and oceans will continue to provide for our country and Canadians from coast to coast. Our investment of $200 million in small craft harbours over the next two years will allow fishing ports to operate with updated facilities for years to come.
Likewise, our science and our collaboration with international partners will ensure that the world's fish stocks and ocean resources will be maintained and sustainable for future generations.
With our commitment to the Canadian Coast Guard and the Canadian Hydrographic Service, we will provide improved safety, security and sovereignty to our country's oceans and waterways.
We know this is a very difficult time for the fishery, but as we move forward we will continue to work with our partners, as well as industry. Together we will ensure our waters are vibrant and healthy so that future generations continue to reap the benefits of our aquatic resources.
Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and goodnight.