House of Commons Hansard #63 of the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:50 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Mr. Chair, I think the hon. member said two million metric tonnes. When the management plan is finished, it will be made public. We hope to do that within the next week or so.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:50 p.m.

Bloc

Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Chair, I would clarify that I said two thousand metric tons, not 2 million. My English is still not that great, but I can say “two thousand” in English to be perfectly clear.

Now for a few questions on another subject: the strategy of her government and her department on the seal hunt.

What efforts have been made to convince the European Union not to ban seal products?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:50 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Mr. Chair, our government, as I have said to a previous speaker, has put a lot of effort into trying to convince the European Union not to go down this road of bringing in a ban on Canadian seal products. It has gone through a couple of votes. There is still another vote to be held, which I am told is basically a rubber-stamping of what the European Parliament has voted on, which is unfortunate.

We are going to continue our campaign of getting the truth out there about the Canadian seal hunt and that we do have a humane hunt. We of course have said that if—

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:50 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Andrew Scheer

I am trying to be fair with the time.

The hon. member for Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:50 p.m.

Bloc

Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Chair, the minister seems to be saying that efforts have been made to lobby the European Union. That may be, but I would like to hear some numbers: how many times has the minister gone to Europe, herself, to raise awareness among European parliamentarians about the seal hunt?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:50 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Mr. Chair, I have been to Europe on one occasion. I am here only as long as the hon. member is, but I can assure him that there have been other representations in Europe.

A senator from Newfoundland was part of the delegation. Our ambassador has spent a lot of time in Europe talking to everyone involved and to people in all 27 European countries. We have put massive amounts of time into defending the Canadian seal hunt.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Bloc

Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Chair, once again, we want real numbers: how many foreign parliamentarians have our people contacted to make sure they heard Canada's side of the story before the latest European Commission vote?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Mr. Chair, every parliamentarian in Europe would have been contacted prior to the vote. Unfortunately they were also contacted by a Liberal senator with the opposite message.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Bloc

Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Chair, I realize that, like me, the minister has parliamentary work to do and many not have had time to go to Europe as often as she might have liked. But did Fisheries and Oceans officials attend European Parliament committee meetings so they could talk, as they should, to the parliamentarians?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Yes, Mr. Chair, several of our staff have been to Europe. There has been a presentation made to a committee of the European parliament where our members went to defend the seal hunt, along with other groups that were also there to present on the seal hunt.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Bloc

Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Chair, that is parliamentary diplomacy.

Has the government paid for advertising in foreign media? That is another concrete approach. Was money invested in advertising campaigns? Which media outlets were contacted?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Mr. Chair, yes, DFO has advertised in various EU media. We have taken out full-page ads in European magazines. We have posted advertisements on key European parliamentary websites. We have done a lot in defending the Canadian seal hunt.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Bloc

Claude Guimond Bloc Rimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les Basques, QC

Mr. Chair, I would like some clarification. How much money did the minister invest in these advertising campaigns?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Mr. Chair, I do not have that figure at my fingertips. What I can tell the member is that we have also written letters to the chairs of every European parliamentary committee and to every member of the European parliament. We have sent them copies of newspaper ads. We have even delivered, with the Province of Quebec, copies of the film Phoques: le film so that they could educate--

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Andrew Scheer

Order. Resuming debate. The hon. member for Chatham-Kent—Essex.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

8:55 p.m.

Conservative

Dave Van Kesteren Conservative Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON

Mr. Chair, I am very privileged to be here this evening to discuss the estimates. I am also privileged to be on the fisheries and oceans committee. Some would ask what a southwestern Ontario boy would be doing on that committee. For those who do not know, Chatham-Kent—Essex has the largest freshwater fishing port in the world.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for the management of freshwater and ocean reserves on behalf of Canadians. This work touches our country and its citizens from Newfoundland and Labrador to British Columbia, from the Great Lakes to the high Arctic, but DFO also plays an important role in defending and advocating for our nation's interest in the international sphere.

Allow me to provide some information on DFO's international activities in support of the department's mandate.

Canada has three oceans, the world's longest coastline and a strong reliance on balancing use and conservation of our resources. This is true in both our national waters in areas beyond Canadian jurisdiction. Canada exports more than 80% of its fish and seafood, or $3.9 billion last year, which is Canada's largest food export. For these reasons, Canada influences international debate and practice in a strategic way.

Sustainability continues to be an important issue to Canadians and to many people around the globe. In fact the world has never been more attuned to its changing environment or more intent on conserving its resources. Consumers have become savvy.

In the case of world fisheries, the United Nations estimates that about 80% of them are fully exploited, overexploited or depleted. By the year 2030, there will be a shortfall of aquatic food in the neighbourhood of 30 million tonnes per year. Clearly, Canada has significant interests to protect and advance, and international engagement is critical.

DFO works in a complex policy and management field that involves multilateral, regional and bilateral work and is increasingly dominated by new players, power arrangements and new issues. Canada has interests to both advance and defend, to ensure ocean industries, particularly responsible fishing activities, remain viable.

DFO enforces Canada's domestic fisheries legislation in our national waters and takes part in the regional fisheries management organizations, RFMOs, such as the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization, NAFO, which manages fish stocks on the high seas outside Canada's 200 mile zone.

To guide its international work, DFO has several key priorities, including ending overfishing, improving the way the world manages high seas fish stocks and ensuring healthy ocean ecosystems. The department also works to help keep Canada safe and secure and helps ensure a well-functioning trading and commercial system that guards and protects Canada's interests.

Ultimately, DFO's international strategy considers all stages of the international fishery to support the long-term health of the world's shared oceans and fish stocks. It also helps ensure that the fishing sector can demonstrate its responsible use of the world's ocean resources. This ocean-to-plate concept incorporates sustainable fisheries, sustainable industry and sustainable ecosystems.

To advance Canada's objectives, our government builds relationships and strategic alliances with key countries, both developed and developing. This includes frequent informal contacts as well as formal meetings with key like-minded countries and decision makers.

Canada also presses the international community for improved sustainable oceans management at the United Nations and through other international organizations that allow us to urge action on overfishing and sustainable fisheries and defend against calls for actions that might gain media attention but are otherwise impractical.

In fact, DFO has achieved a remarkable degree of success over the last number of years in managing fisheries and oceans resources, in particular, advances in stopping foreign vessels from overfishing, which as mentioned, has been a key priority for our government. This government made a commitment to finally deal with the long-standing problem of weak rules and poor follow in NAFO. Canada had clear objectives and would not compromise.

As a result of Canada's strong enforcement presence, significant improvements to monitoring, control and surveillance measures adopted by NAFO in 2006 and strong cooperation between Canada and many fishing partners, there has been a steep decline in serious illegal fishing incidents in the NAFO regulatory area.

This drastic positive shift came about thanks to the determination that this government brought to the table in its talks with our international partners. Once common ground and a united sense of purpose were found, we were able to successfully tackle illegal overfishing for the long-term benefit of the stocks and harvesters alike. It was a promise kept.

Canada is also active in the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, ICCAT, and is pressing international partners for better management of eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna fisheries. Canada works with and encourages all ICCAT members to implement conservation and enforcement measures that will lead to better adherence to fisheries management rules.

Canada also works with its partners to support sustainable use of marine resources. Through the 2006 United Nations General Assembly sustainable fisheries resolution, states agreed on the need for better protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems, VMEs, from significant adverse impacts of bottom-contact fisheries. DFO played a leadership role during these negotiations to ensure that provisions would be practical and effective and is now playing a leading role in implementing these provisions in NAFO.

In particular, DFO has been instrumental in the successful adaptation of measures to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems such as seamounts and deep sea corals in the NAFO regulatory area. These new requirements for fishing vessels engaging in bottom-fishing activities are essential to ensure that fishing is responsible and respects the aquatic ecosystem. More and more, countries are becoming aware of the need to consider whole ecosystems when interacting with marine environments.

In addition to these very important efforts through international organizations, DFO has signed several memoranda of understanding, MOUs, with countries such as Portugal, Norway, Spain, Chile and Russia. These MOUs support Canada's own efforts to ensure the conservation and sustainable international management of global marine resources and to better control fisheries off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

For example, DFO signed an MOU with Norway last May, which demonstrates the commitment of our two nations to work together in advancing technical, scientific, economic and enforcement activities. This agreement demonstrates how our government is working hand in hand with our Norwegian partners to address issues faced in our oceans, which touch Canadians from coast to coast. This shared experience and information benefit both countries and the international organizations to which we belong.

Another agreement with Chile involves aquaculture, an industry worth nearly $1 billion per year in Canada. The MOU signed in March 2008 strengthens our two countries' commitment to sustainable aquaculture development. DFO is working collaboratively on matters that touch the sector, including technical, scientific and economic issues, so that we can create an even more resilient and sustainable aquaculture industry.

Closer to home, our government promotes Canadian interests and negotiations with our neighbour to the south, the United States. DFO has successfully completed agreements on issues that touch both of our countries, including the recent renewal of the Canada-U.S. Pacific Albacore Tuna Treaty. Given the highly migratory nature of albacore tuna stocks, the tuna treaty allows Canada's tuna harvesters to fish and land their catches in the U.S. while also permitting American harvesters port privileges in our country.

DFO is continuing to monitor the harvest and is taking efforts to ensure that the stock is healthy and that the fishery is sustainable, which I am pleased to say is the case.

Earlier this year, our government also renewed parts of the Pacific Salmon Treaty that expired at the end of 2008. The renewal means Canada and the United States will continue their joint management of Pacific salmon resources. This supports the long-term conservation and sustainability of Pacific stock--

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:05 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Denise Savoie

I would like to mention to the hon. member that he should allow time for questions and he has spoken for a little more than 10 minutes. I allowed for some flexibility, so I would suggest that now would be the time to--

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:05 p.m.

Conservative

Dave Van Kesteren Conservative Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON

Madam Chair, did you say I have another five minutes?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

NDP

The Deputy Chair NDP Denise Savoie

No, five minutes for questions. So perhaps it would be possible for the member to finish by asking a question.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dave Van Kesteren Conservative Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON

All right, Madam Chair. Let me wrap up by saying that DFO's work is central to these efforts that are important during these difficult economic times.

The House can be assured that our government will continue to lead and collaborate with like-minded countries. This government will promote and defend our interests and produce the best results for Canadians.

I do have a number of questions that I would like to ask the minister.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is working with international organizations and other countries around the world on issues that affect our waters. Our oceans and fresh waters are an integral part of our national landscape and provide so much for Canada and Canadians.

I am interested in knowing more about how having our country at the table benefits Canada and its citizens. Could the minister please elaborate on this and explain to the House and Canadians the tremendous results achieved by actively pursuing our international strategy?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Madam Chair, indeed having Canada participate in international organizations and negotiations is essential to fulfilling our mandate, as well as delivering the results that Canadians are looking for.

One example of the significant achievements made on behalf of Canadians is DFO's leading role in gaining agreement on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems at the United Nations in 2006, a matter that is now considered to be the most important regime shift in high seas fisheries in decades. This agreement allows bottom fisheries to proceed while avoiding significant adverse impact to vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Canada brought consensus to the issue when the international community was sharply divided, by providing a practical and credible way forward. This consensus agreement was strongly supported by industry and environmental organizations.

It gives me great pride to say that the implementation of the 2006 commitment is well under way in regional fisheries management organizations, including NAFO. I want to emphasize that this achievement has direct implications for Canadians. By leading the negotiations, Canada made a significant impact on international standards. This is but one instance of the outstanding international work being done for Canadians by my department.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dave Van Kesteren Conservative Chatham-Kent—Essex, ON

Madam Chair, I would like to thank the minister for her excellent explanation of the central role that Canada and DFO play at the international table. Clearly, collaborating with other nations is necessary to further press Canada's interests forward while providing the best results for Canadians.

It is important that we continue to consider the environment and the sustainability of our waters, and we must do so together with other countries, as well as at home in Canada.

This was touched upon briefly, but could the hon. minister provide another example of what DFO's international work has achieved in terms of sustainability of key fish stocks, particularly Pacific salmon?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Madam Chair, the government recognizes the importance of conservation and sustainability of our resources.

As mentioned, Canada and the United States have ratified an agreement to renew parts of the Pacific Salmon Treaty that expired at the end of 2008. We consulted widely with affected Canadian stakeholders, something I am proud to say is one of my key priorities as minister. The renewed chapters will be in effect for the next 10 years and place strong emphasis on conservation, the stability of access for harvesters, and the sustainability of the Pacific salmon resource. This agreement will help conserve B.C. chinook stocks, as well as those listed under the United States' Endangered Species Act.

It is only with the co-operation of our neighbours to the south and other jurisdictions that we can protect precious stocks such as salmon.

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

Liberal

Scott Simms Liberal Bonavista—Gander—Grand Falls—Windsor, NL

Madam Chair, I would like to inform the House that I will be splitting my time with the member for Sydney—Victoria, as well as the member for St. John's South—Mount Pearl.

I have a quick question off the top for the minister. This is more of an administrative question. It was brought to my concern a short time ago.

The area chiefs for small craft harbours in Newfoundland and Labrador are paid less than their counterparts across the country. What steps is the minister taking to rectify the problem, if indeed it is?

Fisheries and Oceans--Main Estimates, 2009-10Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

9:10 p.m.

Conservative

Gail Shea Conservative Egmont, PE

Madam Chair, I would have to look into the matter, because I am not aware of that.