Debates of Sept. 20th, 2010

Question No. 308

[Vic Toews, Conservative, Minister of Public Safety]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), on May 12, 2010, CBSA officials met with representatives of the Association des plaisanciers du Québec, CONAN (amateur builders and navigators), Gosselin Marina, and a member of the public. They discussed the options examined to address the issues at the Quai Richelieu, related primarily to docking certain boats in high winds. In the short term, the CBSA has implemented appropriate measures to address the public and employee safety issues: boaters will no longer have to dock in high wind conditions. If necessary, CBSA officers will examine boats and their passengers at nearby marinas.

In response to (b)(i)(ii)(iii), CBSA and Public Works and Government Service Canada are undertaking a wind and water current study to formulate an acceptable, complete and permanent solution to address the risk related to boat damage, the safety of boaters and employees that may be caused by the Quai Richelieu. The final report will formulate recommendations for the possible installation of a pontoon to facilitate docking, with or without a breakwater, and other measures that may be necessary.

In response to (c), the plan is to implement a final, complete and permanent solution prior to the 2011 boating season.

Question No. 310

[Malcolm Allen, NDP, Welland, ON]

With respect to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) animal transportation inspection system and review of the animal transport regulations under the Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations: (a) how many full-time CFIA inspectors are stationed across the country to inspect animal welfare and ensure compliance with Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations; (b) what positions and titles do these inspectors hold; (c) how many of these inspectors hold the title or position of animal health inspector; (d) how many of these inspectors hold the title or position of multi-program inspector; and (e) do draft amendments or proposals to the animal transport regulations under the Health of Animals Regulations, Part XII, exist and, if so, what is the Agency’s timeframe for publishing those proposed changes in Part I of the Canada Gazette?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, CFIA, has not specifically tracked the number of inspectors who ensure compliance to Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations. Many CFIA inspectors are cross-utilized in other programs. This includes inspectors that work in animal health and for this reason it is not possible to identify the exact numbers of inspectors dedicated to ensuring compliance to the Health of Animals Regulations.

In response to (b), there may be some variation in position titles across the country for inspectors who carry out animal transportation inspections. However, the vast majority of these inspectors hold the following titles: Animal Health Inspector, Veterinarian, District Veterinarian, Meat Hygiene Inspector and Veterinarian-in-Charge.

n response to (c), as previously described, the titles may vary among regions.

In response to (d), the activities required to inspect animal transportation may be carried out under a variety of position titles and by inspection staff cross-utilized in other programs, depending on regional resources, industry demographics and operational requirements.

In response to (e), in consultation with stakeholders, the CFIA has been examining possible enhancements to the Health of Animals Regulations, specifically Part XII which is related to the humane transportation of animals. The stakeholder input received to date, which includes response from a wide range of producer organizations, processors, transporters, animal welfare organizations, and the general public, indicates that there is agreement that the regulations should be reviewed and updated to reflect modern industry transportation standards and practices, as well as current scientific knowledge about animal transportation.

The CFIA has been analyzing the input received and recent scientific research to determine what improvements could be proposed. It is therefore anticipated that a proposed regulatory amendment will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, for public comment.

Question No. 314

[Bob Rae, Liberal, Toronto Centre, ON]

With regard to Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) funding for groups which focus on women’s rights advocacy or strengthening civil society, since 2006: (a) how many groups have had their funding cut or reduced by CIDA; (b) what are the names of the groups that have been affected; (c) in total, how much money has been cut or redirected away from the groups mentioned in (b); (d) where has the money been redirected; and (e) what are the details of any correspondence or minutes of meetings that took place regarding the funding of women’s advocacy groups?

[Bev Oda, Conservative, Minister of International Cooperation]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), among the organizations funded by Partnerships with Canadians Branch, PWCB, four organizations have not had their program applications approved and one organization has seen its program support reduced from the level of its previous program agreement.

In response to (b), the Canadian Bureau for International Education, MATCH International Centre (MATCH) and KAIROS (Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives) have had their program renewal or extension applications turned down. Program support for Alternatives Inc. was reduced to cover only its programming in Afghanistan, Iraq and Haiti.

In response to (c), the total cumulative amount of the proposals that were turned down or reduced is approximately $21.7 million over five years. This represents approximately 0.02% of PWCB expected grants and contributions over the next five years.

In response to (d), partnership proposals are assessed on their merits. Funding is allocated to high value initiatives.

In response to (e), MATCH is the only organization that CIDA has funded that focuses on “women's advocacy". Discussions leading to the decision to end funding for this group focused on the increasing dependency of the organization on CIDA funding and its diminishing capacity to effectively deliver and report on projects. CIDA and MATCH met twice, on April 15 and on July 8, 2010, to discuss funding. In addition, a letter from CIDA to MATCH was sent on April 30, 2010 explaining the decision not to extend the current MATCH program.

Question No. 323

[Alex Atamanenko, NDP, British Columbia Southern Interior, BC]

With regard to the sale, financing and ownership of Canadian farmland: (a) what is the amount of funding that Farm Credit Canada (FCC) has advanced to non-farming corporations for the purpose of purchasing farmland; (b) what are the names of the non-farming corporations to which FCC has provided funding for the purchasing of farmland; (c) what is the total amount of farmland acres that have been purchased with FCC funding by non-farming corporations; (d) what is the total amount of farmland that is owned by non-farming corporations; (e) what is the total amount of farmland that is owned by foreign investment companies; (f) what is the total amount of farmland that is owned by domestic investment companies; (g) what is the total amount of farmland that is owned by non-Canadian individuals and corporations; (h) what is the percentage of total Canadian farmland that is owned by non-Canadian individuals and companies; (i) what is the government’s policy regarding the acquisition of Canadian farmland by foreign individuals and corporations; (j) is it the government’s intention to institute policies that will limit the acquisition of Canadian farmland by foreign individuals and corporations; and (k) what is the government’s policy in regards to foreign ownership of farmland as it relates to national security?

[Gerry Ritz, Conservative, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), (b) and(c), Farm Credit Canada’s systems do not track this type of information.

In response to (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h), there are currently no statistics available at the provincial or national level regarding the ownership of farmland by non-farmers, i.e., corporations or individuals, and non-Canadians.

In response to (i), (j) and (k), in Canada, private farmland use and ownership fall under the jurisdiction of provincial governments.

Question No. 326

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

With regard to the $10 million promised in Budget 2010 to begin to address cases of missing and murdered aboriginal women: (a) how will this $10 million be spent; (b) what concrete actions is the government pursuing with these funds in order to address this problem; (c) which governmental and non-governmental organizations does the government intend to consult and work with in order to effectively address the issue of missing and murdered aboriginal women, (i) will these governmental and non-governmental organizations receive any of the $10 million, (ii) if so, which organizations will receive money and how much will each receive; and (d) will Sisters in Spirit receive any funding from the $10 million?

[Rob Nicholson, Conservative, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada]

Mr. Speaker, as indicated in the 2010 Speech from the Throne, the government is committed to ensuring that all women in Canada, including aboriginal women, are safe and secure regardless of the community in which they live. Budget 2010 invests $10 million over two years to address the disturbingly high number of missing and murdered aboriginal women. Aboriginal women remain particularly vulnerable to violence and can face challenges in accessing the justice system.

The government will continue working in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, aboriginal people, and other stakeholders to develop more effective, appropriate, and collaborative solutions and responses that cut across many different sectors, including the justice system; public safety and policing; gender issues and women’s rights; and aboriginal affairs.

Concrete actions will be taken to ensure that law enforcement and the justice system meet the needs of aboriginal women and their families. Further details will be announced in due course.

Question No. 327

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

With respect to the development of an Action Plan to advance the equality of women across Canada mentioned in the Budget Plan 2008: (a) what is the Action Plan; (b) what organizations were consulted on the Action Plan; (c) when did consultations on the Action Plan take place; (d) where did consultations on the Action Plan take place; (e) what is the timeline for the Action Plan; (f) when was the Action Plan announced; (g) where was the Action Plan announced; (h) what fiscal resources will be allocated to the Action Plan; and (i) was a gender-based analysis conducted on the Action Plan?

[Rona Ambrose, Conservative, Minister of Public Works and Government Services]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), budget 2008 referenced an action plan to advance the equality of women and in particular to improve women’s economic and social conditions and their democratic participation across Canada. Work towards the development of an action plan to advance equality for women focused on three areas which were made public in 2008 and reconfirmed in 2009: improving women’s economic security and prosperity; ending violence against women; andencouraging women’s leadership and democratic participation.

In response to (b), a diversity of organizations and individuals were engaged in discussions from across Canada including provincial and territorial governments. In accordance with the Privacy Act, the names of individuals cannot be disclosed without their consent. While some individuals present were associated with organizations, they were not necessarily present representing those organizations.

In response to (c), engagement sessions and meetings took place in 2008 and 2009.

In response to (d), engagement sessions were held in: Halifax, Summerside, Gagetown, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Barrie, Collingwood, Markham, Red Deer, Yellowknife and Vancouver.

In response to (e), initiatives to advance equality for women are supported through a variety of federal programs and time frames.

In response to (f), an action plan to advance equality for women was announced in the 2008 budget plan in March 2008.

In response to (g), an action plan to advance equality for women was announced in Ottawa through the release of the 2008 budget plan.

In response to (h), initiatives to advance equality for women are supported through a variety of existing funding sources.

In response to (i), the action plan announced in the 2008 budget plan was a woman-centered initiative. A variety of circumstances affecting women are considered in development and funding of initiatives.

Question No. 329

[Alexandra Mendes, Liberal, Brossard—La Prairie, QC]

With respect to Objective 8 for the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated (JCCBI) in the 2008-2009 Annual Report of the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited: (a) who was awarded the contract for the feasibility study to construct a new bridge along the Champlain Bridge Corridor; (b) what is the cost sharing agreement between JCCBI and the Ministère des Transports du Quebec; (c) what is the financial summary of the agreement in (b); and (d) what is the timeline for the completion of the study?

[Rob Merrifield, Conservative, Minister of State (Transport)]

Mr. Speaker, following is the response with respect to Federal Bridge Corporation Limited. In response to (a), the contract was awarded to Consortium BCDE which is comprised of BPR, Cima+, Dessau and Egis (France).

In response to (b), the cost-sharing agreement is as follows: the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated will contribute 60 per cent and the ministère des Transports du Québec will contribute 40%. Of note; the ministère des Transports du Québec must obtain a government decree from Quebec allowing the ministère des Transports du Québec to enter into a formal agreement with Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated to undertake the study that is currently under way (about 50% advancement).

In response to (c), the contract awarded to Consortium BCDE is for $1.397 million before taxes; $559,000 from the ministère des Transports du Québec and $945,000, including the taxes, from the Jacques Cartier and Champlain Bridges Incorporated.

In response to (d), the study will be completed in December 2010.

Question No. 330

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

With respect to the health effects and stress response to airport noise, from 2003 to present: (a) what specific research has been conducted by Health Canada; (b) what advice has Health Canada provided to Transport Canada; (c) what specialist information has Health Canada provided to (i) Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, (ii) any other Canadian airport; and (d) when does Health Canada intend to update the January 2010 version of the document entitled “It’s Your Health: Aircraft Noise in the Vicinity of Airports”?

[Leona Aglukkaq, Conservative, Minister of Health]

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), from 2003 to present, the only published study with a specific focus on aircraft noise, was a review of the scientific literature on aircraft noise-induced sleep disturbance. This was published as a peer reviewed journal article in 2007. In this review, it was found that people living around airports show disturbed sleep in the form of awakenings and increased body movement.

Aircraft noise is one reason, but it is responsible for less sleep disturbance than spontaneous awakenings and other indoor noise events. Aircraft noise appeared in a very preliminary field study conducted by Health Canada from November 2006 to February 2007, designed to examine possible relationships between noise annoyance and stress. This was presented only in a poster at a 2007 University of Ottawa fourth year honours thesis symposium. Where exposure to aircraft noise occurred, the number of subjects was too small to obtain reliable conclusions about any possible relationships between stress hormone responses and annoyance level.

Aircraft noise annoyance was also used as an example in a 2008 peer reviewed journal article which provided an analysis of how noise annoyance can be used as a health impact in environmental assessments. In the review of the scientific literature on noise annoyance in this study, it was found that there was some evidence to suggest an association between road traffic and neighbourhood noise levels and some stress related adverse effects, e.g., hypertension and migraines. It was also found that on average a given long term exposure to aircraft noise makes a greater percentage of a population highly annoyed than would road traffic noise.

Health Canada has also published a total of three laboratory studies on the potential for noise-induced stress in either rats (two studies, one published in 2003 and the other in 2005) or people (one published in 2006) using noise sources other than aircraft noise. In the 2006 publication of the laboratory study where people were exposed to noise, it was found that the exposure of people to noise events during sleep did not appear to create a stress response. It was also inconclusive as to whether there were adverse effects on their sleep. The laboratory studies of rats showed inconsistent stress responses to noise, indicating that assessing the biological plausibility of noise-induced stress in humans from animal studies appears to require further investigation.

In response to (b), advice Health Canada has provided to Transport Canada – the department, as a member of Transport Canada’s Domestic Aircraft Noise and Emissions Committee, D-ANEC, has provided advice on a number of occasions since 2003. Health Canada specialists have contributed information about the health effects of noise in discussions at D-ANEC meetings and to requests for input, outside of meetings, on D-ANEC issues. Examples include (i) the proposed changes to the Transport Canada document TP 1247--Aviation--Land Use in the Vicinity of Airports--Part IV Aircraft Noise and (ii) the use of chapter 2 jet aircraft.

Departmental scientists publish peer-reviewed journal articles related to the health effects of aircraft noise, and ensure that the Committee is made aware of these documents e.g., the two major reviews on noise-induced sleep disturbance and noise annoyance, published in 2007 and 2008, respectively and described in the answer to part (a) above.

A 2003 summary analysis of annoyance and sleep disturbance health effects from aircraft noise in the vicinity of airports was sent to Transport Canada regional staff that is responsible for Toronto--Lester B. Pearson International Airport.

In response to (c) (i), the department has no record of having provided specialist information directly to Montréal-- Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport since 2003.

In response to (c) (ii), the department provides advice, on request, to responsible authorities (federal authorities specified in regulation) designated under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, for airport projects regarding the health effects of noise. This advice is not provided directly to the airport authorities but to the responsible authorities under the act. Comments were provided on the health impacts for several environmental assessments for airport projects since 2003 such as: Jean Lesage International Airport in Quebec City in 2006, a ground transportation infrastructure project concerning Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport from 2004 to 2006 and a runway extension at the Kamloops airport in 2008.

There is only one record of having provided specialist information directly to an airport in Canada since 2003. Health Canada provided publicly available information to a consulting firm engaged by the Calgary Airport Authority in September 2009; specifically, the 2008 review on noise annoyance as a health impact for use in environmental assessments.

In response to (d), an update for the It’s Your Health relevant to aircraft noise is intended for the fall of 2010.

Question No. 333

[Marlene Jennings, Liberal, Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC]

With respect to the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into Certain Allegations Respecting Business and Financial Dealings Between Karlheinz Schreiber and the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney: (a) what specific recommendations does the government intend to implement; (b) when does the government intend to implement each of these recommendations; and (c) does the government intend to pursue legal action against the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney in order to recuperate the $2.1 million awarded by the government in a 1997 settlement?

[Jacques Gourde, Conservative, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services and to the Minister of National Revenue]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to parts (a) and (b) of the question, the Government welcomes the final report of the Commission of Inquiry into Certain Allegations Respecting Business and Financial Dealings between Karlheinz Schreiber and the Right Hon. Brian Mulroney. As noted in that report, the current conflict of interest and post-employment regime for public office holders in the Conflict of Interest Act is among the most rigorous of the jurisdictions scrutinized by the commission. The government is carefully reviewing the commission’s findings and recommendations to determine whether additional refinements to this regime would be appropriate. The government is also reviewing the commission’s findings and recommendations on the management of prime ministerial correspondence. With respect to part (c) of the question, as a matter of general policy the government does not disclose its litigation options or strategies

Question No. 337

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

With regard to the Supreme Court decision of December 11, 2008, in Confédération des syndicats nationaux v. Attorney General of Canada and the conclusion contained therein, how does the government intend to address the consequences of the invalid provisions of the Employment Insurance Act?

[Diane Finley, Conservative, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development]

Mr. Speaker, the Supreme Court of Canada, in its decision dated December 11, 2008, declared that EI premiums for the years 2002, 2003 and 2005 were collected unlawfully. In its decision, the court found that EI premiums for those years did not constitute a regulatory charge but rather represented a payroll tax. Since no delegation of taxing authority was provided for in the legislation, the premiums constituted an unlawful tax. The court suspended the declaration for one year in order to give the government time to rectify the invalidity.

Through sections 227 and 228 of the Budget Implementation Act, 2009, which came into force on March 12, 2009, Parliament set the premium rates for 2002, 2003, and 2005. This responded to the Supreme Court’s decision and provided authority for the collection of premiums for those years, rectifying the invalidity.

Question No. 338

[Yvon Godin, NDP, Acadie—Bathurst, NB]

How many jobs will be moved out of the riding of Acadie—Bathurst as a result of the restructuring of Service Canada offices?

[Diane Finley, Conservative, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development]

Mr. Speaker, in Acadie-Bathurst, as in other locations, departmental employment levels fluctuate depending on governmental and departmental priorities. Automation, process re-design and changes in government policy and priorities all have the potential both to increase and to decrease the nature and volume of work and the number of employees required in specific locations throughout the country. Service Canada delivers fifteen national specialty programs and services in Acadie-Bathurst, drawing on a mix of indeterminate, term and casual employees. Due to the diversity of these operations, employees in Acadie-Bathurst are well-positioned to take advantage of a variety of employment opportunities within the department, both now and into the future.

Question No. 340

[Bruce Hyer, NDP, Thunder Bay—Superior North, ON]

With respect to the Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) during the 2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 fiscal years: (a) what was the total of government expenditures for advertising services, communications services, or marketing services for each fiscal year, listed by contract and contracted firm, agent, or individual; (b) with respect to the above figures, how much was spent on advertising each province, territory, or region, listed by fiscal year; (c) what services have subsidiaries of the Omnicom Group been engaged to perform for the CTC, and when were they contracted; (d) with respect to Omnicom Group contracts, how much has each subsidiary company been awarded, by contract and fiscal year; (e) for each contract awarded to subsidiaries of the Omnicom Group, which other firms, agents or individuals submitted bids or tendered proposals, and when; and (f) what advertising has been purchased in official language minority newspapers, listed by fiscal year, price, and province?

[Tony Clement, Conservative, Minister of Industry]

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the Canadian Tourism Commission, CTC, during the 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal years, in response to (a), the CTC is a partnership-based national marketing organization. As such, expenditures amounts for marketing and communications services include partnership contributions specific to partnership agreements. Due to limitations on the information that can be retrieved from information systems, the CTC cannot provide the level of detail requested.

In response to (b), the CTC has engaged in domestic marketing for 2009 and 2010 only. Budget 2009, Canada’s Economic Action Plan, included $20 million for the CTC over two years for domestic marketing to stimulate Canada’s tourism industry. The CTC’s Locals Know campaign, aimed at encouraging Canadians to explore Canada, is in its second and final year. Marketing content for this campaign was media-based, including national television, national newspapers and magazines. For regional media buys, all provinces, territories and regions of Canada had the opportunity to buy-in, and some provinces did participate in this campaign. As in response to part (a), records include partnership contributions and, given limitations on the information that can be retrieved from information systems, it is not possible to extract the exact amount spent by the CTC on advertising in each province, territory or region.

In response to (c), in March 2007, the CTC launched a two-phase competition for a full range of marketing communications services. The bid documents stipulated that the successful firm must be able to provide and manage all services through its corporate entities or approved affiliates. The opportunity was posted on MERX in both French and … Fifty-seven firms requested the bid documents: nine firms submitted proposals, five formally declined and the remaining 43 did not respond. Of the nine responses, three were found to be inadequate for further consideration. The four top-rated firms were invited to make presentations to an evaluation panel that included CTC marketing specialists, legal and financial advisors, as well as an independent industry expert. Throughout each step, the firms and their proposals were evaluated against published criteria. Following the final assessment and a period of due diligence, the panel recommended that a contract be awarded to DDB Canada, the top-rated firm. On November 7, 2007, a contract was issued to DDB Canada for a period of four years with a one-year renewal option.

In response to (d), the contract with DDB Canada does not stipulate an amount nor does it stipulate a commitment to a minimum annual value. The contract stipulates a fee structure, hourly rates, terms of service and a process for planning, estimating and pre-approving all work. The amount that the CTC spends with DDB Canada and its affiliated agencies is limited by the annual budgets established and approved by CTC executives. As noted in part (a), the CTC is a partnership-based organization. Its systems identify payments made to DDB Canada, but these payments also include partnership contributions toward services rendered by DDB Canada. To break down these payments based on CTC contributions versus partnership contributions would necessitate a review of each partnership agreement and would take much longer than the time allotted to respond to this question.

In response to (e), this is confidential third-party information pursuant to section 20(1) of the Access to Information Act.

In response to (f), for the period in question, the CTC has not purchased advertising in official language minority newspapers. For the Locals Know campaign, however, the CTC purchased media buys in French and English national newspapers.

Note that for statutory reporting purposes, the CTC’s fiscal year is January 1 to December 31. The CTC’s response, therefore, is based on its fiscal years ending December 31, 2006, to December 31, 2009.

Question No. 343

[Judy Foote, Liberal, Random—Burin—St. George's, NL]

With respect to the new Aquatic Science Research Laboratory, officially opened at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on June 11, 2010: (a) how many of the scientists who have retired over the past 10 years at Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre have been replaced; (b) has the Department of Fisheries and Oceans replaced any of the research specialists for cod, shrimp, lobster, yellowtail, capelin, scallops and turbot who have retired from the Centre over the past 15 years and, if yes, how many and which specialists have been replaced; (c) when will the Science Library at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre reopen; (d) when will the Newfoundland-based research trawl vessel the Templeman be returned to use; (e) which research programs have been cut because of a shift in priorities by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the new ecosystem-based approach; (f) how many researchers and scientists are working on the ecosystem-based approach to management; (g) how many trained technicians are currently employed to go to sea to collect data; (h) what is being done to replace the technicians who were originally hired at extension of jurisdiction and who are now reaching retirement age; and (i) are scientists at the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Centre permitted to speak to the media without prior permission from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans?

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

Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), over the last 10 years, 19 research scientists and biologists have left the department. The science branch has hired 14 new research scientists and biologists in the last five years and is conducting staffing processes or has created pools of qualified candidates for further hiring this fiscal year. Of the 19 departures in the last 10years, 11were research scientists (SE-RES classification group) one research manager (SE-REM classification group) and six biologists retired.

In response to (b), in addition to new hiring in marine mammals, aquaculture, ecological science and physical and biological oceanography, research specialists have also been hired in the areas of groundfish, pelagic fish, shellfish and salmonids to replace staff that have left the department. In total, 28 research specialists and technical staff have been hired in the last five years to continue all aspects of the delivery of the science program in the DFO Newfoundland and Labrador region.

In response to (c), the library collection was relocated to an offsite location in 2008. Since that time, staff have been able to access materials in the collection through the librarian at the offsite location. DFO has been working with PWGSC, the building owner, to renovate a ground level space within the NAFC to house the library which is expected to reopen in fiscal year 2011-12.

In response to (d), at this time, the research trawler Wilfred Templeman is in “cold-layup” in St. John’s harbour. The Newfoundland region science program is being fully supported by the Teleost and Alfred Needler, the sister-ship of the Wilfred Templeman. There have been no reductions in the at-sea research program in the NL region as a result of the Templeman being in cold-layup.Cold lay-up of the Wilfred Templeman indicates that the vessel and all systems are non-operational.

In response to (e), there have been no research programs cut in order for the science sector to focus on the ecosystem-based approach. Data from long-standing programs which are continuing, are being utilized in new analyses to support our understanding of the ecosystem and generate science advice for our internal clients and external stakeholders.

In response to (f), durrently, there are approximately 200 scientists, biologists, physical scientists, technicians and administrative support working in the science sector in the region. The ecosystem-based approach requires an integration of data analyses, experience, and scientific insight from all disciplines to provide a coherent picture of what is taking place in the environment.

n response to (g), there are currently 95 science staff in technical positions. Of those, 74 are assigned to marine science programs and regularly go to sea. Another 13 are assigned to freshwater programs but nearly all go to sea during the fall and spring multi-species research vessel surveys.

In response to (h), the science sector in the NL region has been conducting selection processes to create pools of qualified technicians, biologists and research scientists. The pools of qualified candidates are available to fill positions as they become vacant and through processes such as the Knowledge Transfer Agreement, new staff are hired before retirements so a period of knowledge transfer can take place. Selection processes are continuously taking place in the region in anticipation of vacancies and when pools from an earlier process have been exhausted.

In response to (i), the department has policies in place whereby designated spokespersons, including subject-matter-expert scientists, are approached to respond to media queries. Many science staff at the NAFC are designated spokespersons in their area of expertise.