Debates of May 28th, 2009

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, the $10 million was targeted for marketing and product development within the lobster industry.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, so it is clear that this will not allow lobster fishers to survive.

Does the minister still intend to close the Fisheries and Oceans Canada office in Saint-Léonard in the Madawaska region of northern New Brunswick?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, I will have to get back to the hon. member on that.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, we are not off to a good start.

How can the minister justify the fact that all of Canada's international competitors in the fishing industry, including the United States, are making huge investments in their fishing industries through rationalization and structuring projects in order to maintain their competitiveness? Where is Canada in the meantime?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, Canada is very competitive within the fisheries industry. I would just like to say that if the hon. member is talking about our conservation and protection program in New Brunswick, we do have a very healthy staff of officers who operate out of New Brunswick and we have added 153 new fisheries officers since 2006.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, does the minister still intend to close the Fisheries and Oceans Canada office in Plaster Rock, in the riding of her colleague from Tobique—Mactaquac?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, I am not planning to close any offices or reduce any of our conservation and protection programs.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, I was not asking about programs. Does the minister intend to close two Fisheries and Oceans Canada offices: Saint-Léonard and Plaster Rock, and to relocate staff to another office?.

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, if this was something that was discussed within the region, I am unaware of it. However, I can assure him that service will not suffer any. However, to my knowledge we are not closing any DFO offices.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, can the minister confirm to me this evening that in the years to come there will be full-time employees in the Plaster Rock and Saint-Léonard offices in New Brunswick?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, I can assure the hon. member that there will be no decrease in service to the province of New Brunswick or anywhere else in Canada.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, so shortly there will be no more employees at Saint-Léonard or Plaster Rock.

Can the minister explain why, when the Fisheries and Oceans Canada offices were constructed in Charlo, New Brunswick, her department awarded contracts to a Toronto firm which then sub-contracted to a local business, one which could have done the job immediately and probably for less?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, I would need more details on that particular project.

[Jean-Claude D'Amours, Liberal, Madawaska—Restigouche, NB]

Mr. Chair, I will get back to this, because the minister seems not to know what is going on in northern New Brunswick.

Has the minister read the document “An Action Plan for Fleet Rationalization” prepared by the Atlantic Alliance for Fisheries Renewal?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, yes, I have read it. I get many plans throughout the year. I have stacks of them on my desk, but I know that I do have that one.

[The Chair, Conservative, Andrew Scheer]

Resuming debate. The hon. Minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans]

Mr. Chair, our government has made tremendous strides in recent months on critical fisheries and oceans issues.

It is a great honour to have been appointed minister of a portfolio with such a broad mandate. I am extremely proud of the vital work that we do in support of Canadians, their communities and the economy. DFO works hard to ensure that Canada's fisheries and marine sectors continue to provide economic benefits for Canadians. We support these sectors' efforts to become even more resilient, efficient and economically viable.

Using sound science, we are dedicated to ensuring sustainable development to our fisheries, oceans and aquatic systems. By rejuvenating the Canadian Coast Guard fleet, we are enhancing marine safety, security and sovereignty.

It is my pleasure to rise in the House to talk about DFO's projected expenditures for the 2009-10 fiscal year, and how we are spending strategically in support of that vision. Today I would like to paint a complete picture, one that illuminates the main estimates and supplementary estimates.

As members will see in the supplementary estimates, DFO is increasing its spending by $187 million to a total of $1.8 billion. This includes funding received from the economic action plan. Our government's plan provided additional funding above and beyond the main estimates for vital fisheries and marine infrastructure, as well as communities affected by severe economic conditions.

Through economic action plan funding our government is investing $451 million over the next two fiscal years to maintain the integrity of programs and infrastructure relating to small craft harbours, science and the coast guard.

My officials are quickly rolling out priority activities supported by this new stimulus package, which bears good news for fishing communities across the nation.

First, small craft harbours from coast to coast to coast are benefiting from an infusion of $200 million over two years. Money will be put toward accelerating repairs, maintenance and dredging projects for approximately 250 harbours across Canada.

I would like to highlight that this new investment is in addition to approximately $80 million already budgeted for 180 projects under the small craft harbour regular program this year. Local communities and contractors are close to getting shovels in the ground on many of these and the stimulus projects.

We recognize the economic value in supporting commercial fisheries, especially emerging fisheries in Nunavut, which is why our government invested an additional $17 million in the economic action plan to speed up the construction of the small craft harbour at Pangnirtung.

We have already consulted citizens from the local community, and we have discussed upcoming work with the Government of Nunavut. Essentially, we are setting the stage for construction to begin this coming summer. In addition, we will plan to dedicate approximately $10 million this year in support of the fisheries in Nunavut. Our communities asked for this kind of support and I am pleased to deliver.

To give members another example of how stimulus funding delivered through my department is benefiting Canadians immediately, the coast guard is busy procuring vessels. Our government is investing $175 million to procure 68 new small vessels and 30 environmental barges. The coast guard will also undertake major repair work on 40 of its aging large vessels.

Many projects are up for tender. They are on schedule and are within budget. Refits and life extensions of aging vessels are well under way. Our long-term investments will spur the shipbuilding industry across Canada, generating spinoff benefits for years to come.

I am proud to say that DFO science is also benefiting from the economic action plan with $38.1 million being used to address maintenance and modernization at its federal laboratories across the country. We have already received approval for these upgrades and have announced projects across the country. For example, we just announced $8 million to upgrade salmon hatcheries in support of the salmon enhancement program in British Columbia.

We are increasing our annual spending for sea bed mapping in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans by $3.7 million. This funding will be used to gather data that will be submitted to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf.

Here are a few highlights of the DFO spending year. We are building on our government's record in support of the fishing sector. Since 2006 our government has committed over $2.3 billion to help Canada's fishing and marine sectors. We have increased DFO's budget by $183 million, ongoing. We introduced and improved the first capital gains tax relief for fish harvesters. We financed the health of the oceans initiatives for cleaner waters, which will help build sustainable fisheries for the future.

We have restored our fisheries enforcement capacity by hiring 153 new fishery officers in the last three years. We have increased spending to renew the coast guard fleet with money for three new offshore fishery science vessels and a brand new polar class icebreaker. Such expenditure is critical to our country's maritime economy.

As part of building a robust and sustainable aquaculture industry, we have invested $70 million in aquaculture innovation and improved regulations to make the industry more successful and competitive. We invested in more science for regulations.

In response to the economic downturn, we have recently developed policies that enable the harvesters greater flexibility to self-adjust so they can better face current economic challenges. Just last week I announced $10 million from the community adjustment fund for the lobster industry. It will improve marketing and market access. We are supporting the creation of a lobster development council to address current challenges.

We continue to protect and expand market access for Canadian fish and seafood by working closely with industry. Our efforts are helping to obtain necessary ecocertification for their products and to ensure that global, regional and bilateral market access will benefit our sector as well as others.

We are reducing overfishing and ecosystem degradation on the high seas by working with other countries, international organizations and stakeholders to promote and protect Canadian interests. Since taking office, our government has increased its investments in fisheries science. With sound science, DFO makes informed decisions. We shore up conservation and protection of stocks and fish habitat. We advance our international foreign policy and trade objectives. We make fisheries renewal a reality. We have funded a number of initiatives on both coasts to respond to sustainability challenges in Pacific waters and to help first nations develop their commercial fishing enterprises.

In addition to these accomplishments, DFO forged partnerships with aboriginal communities, non-governmental organizations, unions, industry representatives and our international allies to benefit Canadian fish harvesters. Since 2006, including amounts in budget 2009, this Conservative government has committed some $2.3 billion in initiatives and an additional $182 million in ongoing yearly funding.

Under my leadership, DFO is a strong steward of this country's precious fisheries and oceans resources and we are good stewards of public funds. My department's main estimates together with our supplementary estimates recently tabled in the House of Commons illustrate how our government is responding to the global recession by taking action to stimulate economic growth, restore economic confidence and support Canadians and their families.

In these challenging times, I am proud to say that DFO is doing its part to ensure Canadian taxpayer dollars are used wisely. We are strategically investing in areas that will have strong economic benefits for Canadians and their communities now and in the future.

[James Lunney, Conservative, Nanaimo—Alberni, BC]

Mr. Chair, I would like to thank the minister for sharing that overview with us. The $451 million in ramped up spending for small craft harbours, for science and for the coast guard is going to make a big difference in stimulating coastal economies. I want to thank the minister for that great overview.

Our oceans are great sources of economic activity. Ocean trade makes our oceans a tremendous contributor to Canada's economy. Oceans function like global highways. Safe and secure waterways are critical to Canada's economy.

For coastal communities, oceans have been the source and the mainstay of economic, social and cultural benefits. The most obvious examples would be found in commercial, recreational and aboriginal fisheries. In my riding aquaculture, including shellfish aquaculture, is also a big economic driver. I had the pleasure of announcing on behalf of the government as part of our stimulus package funding for a new centre for shellfish research, part of Vancouver Island University at Deep Bay. That is a tremendous contributor to our local economy.

Could the minister please describe the economic contribution of Canada's fishing sector in terms of dollars to Canada's economy?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, these sectors make a tremendous contribution to the national economy. Our wild and cultured fisheries contribute approximately $12 billion annually to the Canadian economy. Fish and seafood is Canada's largest single food export commodity, exporting 85% of our seafood production.

Our country is one of the world's largest commercial fishing industries, worth more than $6 billion a year. Commercial fishing, processing and aquaculture employ 85,000 people and are the mainstay of many of our coastal communities. Recreational fishing is popular with Canadians and tourists and generates approximately $7.5 billion for the national economy.

These are significant figures, and upon hearing them, it is easy to understand how vitally important these sectors are to our national economy. DFO is investing taxpayers' dollars strategically in order to further economic prosperity.

[Gerald Keddy, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade]

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.

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, it is critical that we have the appropriate stakeholders at the table so that their views are taken into account when making fisheries and oceans management decisions. DFO regularly consults advisory councils, committees and boards on issues of fisheries management.

There are also ad hoc mechanisms in place, such as bilateral and multilateral discussions with stakeholders, groups, advisory panels, focus groups and steering committees. We regularly consult aboriginal communities, fish harvesting and processing industries, non-governmental groups and academia. We have a long list that includes fisheries unions and associations, the marine, commerce and transportation sectors, the oil and gas sector and the pulp and paper industries.

I look forward to working with all of our partners to continue building strong, sustainable fisheries for the future.

[Randy Kamp, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans]

Mr. Chair, the minister provided a good overview of how to interpret the main estimates, plans and priorities as we look forward to the things that we need to accomplish. I know we will have more opportunity to talk about that in the next few hours.

In her comments, she talked about enforcement. That really is part of what we need to do in terms of protection, sustainability and so on. I would like to ask the minister to tell us more about her priorities in that area and the investments we continue to make.

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, fisheries officers can be found throughout Canada. They monitor and verify compliance with legislation, regulations and fishing plans that support conservation and sustainable use of our resources, as well as the protection of species at risk, fish habitat and oceans.

We have a staff of 737, which includes 636 fishery officers. As I said before, since August 2006 153 new fisheries officers have been hired and there is another troop of 30 recruits who will start their training in August. All recruits undergo a three-year training program. Conservation and protection staff are located in 131 offices across the country, with 68% of them on the east coast, 26% of them on the west coast and 6% of them inland.

I can confirm that we do not have any plans to close any fishery detachment offices. We will actually be enhancing our program, if anything.

[Raynald Blais, Bloc, Gaspésie—Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC]

Mr. Chair, I will try to use my time to follow up on the questions and answers I just heard. My questions and answers will be a bit more concise.

I want to talk, first, about the crisis in the lobster fishery. There was a summit meeting in Moncton on May 15. That was great. On May 22 they announced that only $10 million would be invested. Today, May 28, there was a meeting with the Premier of New Brunswick and the fisheries minister, if I am not mistaken, but people are not very happy.

Why is it that people have to come here to Ottawa to express their dissatisfaction with a meeting that took place in Moncton on May 15, when they expressed their demands very clearly?

There was a demonstration in Tracadie-Sheila, where 500 people went to the Fisheries and Oceans offices.

How many more demonstrations will it take for the minister to understand that a $10 million investment is far from enough?

[Gail Shea, Conservative, Egmont, PE]

Mr. Chair, several of our members met with some members from New Brunswick today, including the premier. They came to Ottawa and asked to meet with us. We talked about several issues where the province of New Brunswick was willing to partner with the federal government with some solutions for the lobster industry. We have said to the province of New Brunswick that we will consider their suggestions.