Mr. Speaker, in light of today's question period, this petition is germane to the debate concerning fisheries and oceans.
The petitioners are asking for the dismantling of a large part of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. More important, the petitioners are calling for an inquiry into how the department goes about its business on the east, west and north coasts and inland waters.
The petitioners request a public inquiry into all aspects of DFO. They request that the current structure be dismantled and to put in place a model that takes into account fisheries science, with an emphasis on serving the fishermen who make a living from the industry.
In light of that situation, we recently heard that the government is coming forth with a model that does fisheries science management in a three-to five-year period, which the petitioners believe will be detrimental to science information as presented to the fishing industry in this country.
I hope the House will look upon this petition favourably.