Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying it is regrettable that this magnificent creature has come to this situation. My colleague will know that the process starts with a recommendation from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
The legislation then requires consultation with affected stakeholders, including provincial and territorial governments and consultation with aboriginal organizations and industry, then analysis to provide input to the governor in council so that it can balance conservation issues with socio-economic impacts. That is the approach we are taking on the basking shark as well as other aquatic species.