Mr. Chair, I would first like to thank the minister for outlining the government's agenda and for the government's support for the marine and fishing sectors in the last three years. She has a very difficult job with different responsibilities and challenges, there being an ocean on the east coast, one on the west coast, one in the north and an inland fishery. It is not an easy job, but she has risen to the challenge.
When we look at the overall economic viability of the fishery and the challenges with the worldwide recession, staying viable and fishermen literally remaining solvent in this day and age, it is clear that the minister sees the importance of trying to assist the industry but there is also another challenge of allowing the industry to become more competitive and independent and make it part of the decision-making process.
I was wondering if the minister could explain her position on shared stewardship and consultation aimed at revitalizing the fishing industry.