Mr. Chair, we have a lot of legislation in this country. It was good legislation at the time based on what we had. For example, the same thing could be said for the Navigable Waters Protection Act, which had not been amended since 1872, the original date that legislation came into effect.
I have to give credit where credit is due. The previous minister, minister Hearn, had a lot of courage in a minority Parliament to bring forward the Fisheries Act. Unfortunately, we never had an opportunity in two Parliaments. It was hoisted and we never had an opportunity to debate, go across the country, talk to fishermen and engage them on this.
Unfortunately, department officials, the science and ministers, along with the government are held to account by the laws that are passed. I and most of the members of the House would argue that the Fisheries Act of 1868 might be a little bit past its best before date. It has worked relatively well--