Madam Speaker, I have a point of order. I would like to respond to the parliamentary secretary.
House of Commons Hansard #4 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was pandemic.
House of Commons Hansard #4 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was pandemic.
Brad Vis Conservative Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, BC
Madam Speaker, I have a point of order. I would like to respond to the parliamentary secretary.
FisheriesAdjournment Proceedings
The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes
There is no point of order at this time, unless there is a technical problem. This is the late show. I am sorry.
The hon. member for Saanich—Gulf Islands.
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Madam Speaker, if there was a way to add insult to injury, I suppose it would be to invoke the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to block the very thing that first nations throughout British Columbia are urging the minister to do, which is to act.
Chief Judy Wilson of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs said, “When a department fails so miserably as DFO, it's time the federal government says we need a reform here, it's not working.”
To be very clear, the nine pathogens studied by DFO in deciding there was minimum risk did not include sea lice. I am sorry that the parliamentary secretary is willing to say that this is a top priority for his government. It makes me wonder what could be worse. I guess we need to dig more graves for Canadians, because COVID is our top priority. If Pacific salmon is a top priority and the Liberals continue to allow sea lice to contaminate the wild salmon population, then they do not know what a priority looks like.
Terry Beech Liberal Burnaby North—Seymour, BC
Madam Chair, the protection and restoration of wild Pacific salmon is a top priority of our government. It is why we have taken such strong and immediate action on passing environmental legislation, including the Fisheries Act, and why we have moved to protect 25% of our marine habitat by 2025. It is also why our government has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into habitat restoration and innovative programs like the $142-million B.C. salmon restoration and innovation fund. Our government is also committed to transitioning away from open-net pen finfish aquaculture in B.C. and is moving forward on this file in a responsible way.
Our approach must include meaningful consultations with local first nations and communities, and preferably with an approach that is aligned with the Government of British Columbia as well. The future of finfish aquaculture in British Columbia must be clean and sustainable, and prioritize the health and abundance of wild Pacific salmon and the biodiversity of our marine ecosystem.
I look forward to working with British Columbians, including first nations, local communities, the province, the member and all members of the House to find that responsible path forward. Our kids—
FisheriesAdjournment Proceedings
The Assistant Deputy Speaker Carol Hughes
I am sorry but the time is up.
The motion to adjourn the House is now deemed to have been adopted. Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m., pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).
(The House adjourned at 8:56 p.m.)