Mr. Speaker, we as a government are fully committed to working in collaboration with first nations to implement their treaty right to fish in pursuit of a moderate livelihood. The Marshall decision was the trigger for many departmental programs and initiatives that have been implemented over the years. These programs have provided fisheries-related training and increased employment in Mi'kmaq and Maliseet communities, especially for women. They have also put licences, vessels and gear in the hands of these communities to help build their fisheries.
We have been negotiating with Marshall groups since 2017 to collaborate on the articulation of their rights through the Rights and Reconciliation Agreements, but there have been challenges. Recent events surrounding Nova Scotia's fisheries have brought these to the forefront. We remain strongly committed to working collaboratively and respectfully with first nation communities to implement treaty rights.
The issues surrounding this fishery are long-standing and deeply personal to everyone involved. The only way to resolve this impasse is through respectful and collaborative dialogue, much like we saw from the hon. member opposite today.