Mr. Speaker, on Canada's east coast, the arctic surf clam fishery is healthy and sustainable and exclusively controlled by only one company. Former minister Gail Shea proposed that the fishery be increased and opened to new entrants, based on the scientific advice of DFO officials. This week, the town of Burin and the Cooke Clam Group joined a growing list of municipalities and companies calling on the minister to allow new entrants into the fishery.
I know that fisheries did not warrant a mention in the throne speech, but what is the minister waiting for? When will he end the arctic surf clam monopoly and help create these new jobs?