Loyola Hearn

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 20th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt about the fact that fishermen are facing hard times trying to meet the cost of operations. As the member mentioned, we have cut the GST and we brought in capital gains exemptions. We help them combine their fishing efforts to save money. We are reviewing licence fees.

What have the Liberals done to help? They have added increases to the gas tax.

I suggest that if the Liberals want to make a splash with this announcement, they go out and try to sell it to fishermen on the wharves. Then they will make a splash.

[The Environment, June 17th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, what this government is really doing is seeing industry progress in the country to create jobs in the areas where they are badly needed. Any water that is damaged in any way, there has to be assurance that there is no net loss to either fish or fish habitat. Mitigation has to occur. It always occurs. When it does not occur, the company does not get a permit to move ahead with the operation.

[The Environment, June 17th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, in mining operations tailings are produced. Tailings can be stored on land or in water. It is much more responsible to store them in water.

Any damage done in relation to fish or fish habitat has to be mitigated where there is no net loss to either fish or fish habitat. There is a major environmental study done before any go ahead is given. Therefore, every aspect is covered before anyone can do any damage to the environment.

[Fisheries, June 12th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, let me first say that information is completely false. Nobody has done more for the people of Nunavut, certainly in relation to the fishery, than this government. We are the only ones who recognize that every extra pound of haddock, of quota, that was added since we became a government has gone to Nunavut.

We have put out money to build infrastructure there so Nunavut can use its own resources and not have them used by somebody else. I will give Nunavut every fish it deserves, but I will not take away fish from somebody else to give them to Nunavut or anybody else.

[Search and Rescue, June 10th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, let me say on behalf of, I am sure, everybody here that our thoughts and prayers are with the family involved.

The accident happened in a clearly identified area. An intensive search occurred in that area. That is why it was called off at the time. I have had several similar requests today. We are looking at anything we can do to help alleviate the concerns of the family, and we will do that.

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 10th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, let me say that I fully appreciate what the member is saying. She is not exaggerating.

Let me also say that nowhere in the country, perhaps nowhere in the world, are the partners working more closely than they are on the west coast of this country in British Columbia to address the concerns in our fishery.

Every agency that is involved is around the table, trying to find ways to offset what seems to be a very, very serious situation. If there is a resolution for this, we will find it. There will be no stone left unturned until we correct the wrongs that have been done.

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 10th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, let me first assure the member that it is certainly not a lack of concern or action by the government since we came into power.

In fact, a tremendous amount of time and effort, and personnel have been put in to improve the habitat and to see what is happening. The hon. member is right. We have major concerns over salmon stocks, not only on the west coast but on the east coast.

Whether it is temperatures, environmental conditions in the ocean, or whether it is predation, we have concerns, but we are all working together to do the best we can.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 30th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to congratulate 30 new fisheries officers who recently graduated from the fishery officer training program. This brings to a total of 135 new officers since we came into power.

These young people will now be spread throughout the country to do what fisheries officers do, which is protect our fish and our fish habitat. The added bonus is that a number of them will be stationed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

[Official Languages, May 29th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, let me inform the member that the search and rescue centres field about 950,000 calls every year. They respond to about 3,000 of them. Each and every one of them is responded to in the language of choice.

Do the people always get the answer they want when they ask a question? No, because not always can it be given. However, we have not had any complaints about the fact they did not get it in the language they wanted to receive it.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 28th, 2008]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his support on this issue.

The Prime Minister, who has raised this issue previously in Europe and at the United Nations, has been in two countries these past two days, France and Germany, and has raised the issue with both leaders.

At the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Conference this past week, I arranged to ensure it went on the agenda. We have the open public support of Norway, Iceland, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Russia. We are doing our job. It is up to them to support us.