House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2015, with 29% of the vote.
Fisheries and Oceans February 11th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in 2006, and the hon. member knows this well, we inherited from the Liberal Party a massive backlog of needed work at all our small craft harbours. The wharves were rotting and fishers were not getting the facilities they needed to work safely.
That is why, under our economic action plan, we invested $200 million to address this backlog. Work is now under way at over 270 harbours in Canada. We are getting the job done.
Sealing Industry February 11th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, we believe the EU ban on Canadian seal products is inconsistent with the EU's international trade obligations. That is why today our government formally requested a WTO dispute settlement panel.
Our Conservative government is firmly committed to protecting traditional markets and to opening new markets for Canadian seal products. We will continue to defend Canada's sealing industry and the coastal and northern communities that depend on the seal hunt.
Canadian Coast Guard February 10th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to confirm for the House that this morning our government announced that seven new Hero Class Canadian Coast Guard vessels would be named in honour of fallen Canadian heroes. These red and white Coast Guard vessels, currently under construction in Halifax, are iconic symbols of safety, security and sacrifice.
It is a fitting tribute for our Canadian heroes who dedicated their own lives to protecting others.
Search and Rescue February 9th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard's top priority is the safety of Canadians and our priority is also the safety of our very own crews.
The previous government let our Coast Guard rust out or left the vessels tied to the wharf because it could not pay for the fuel. Since then, we have made an historic investment in our fleet, including five new Coast Guard vessels that were built in Victoria for British Columbians, and these ships are very capable craft.
Fisheries and Oceans February 8th, 2011
Mr. Speaker, it is also our duty to speak for the fishing industry. To appeal this decision is in the best interest of Canadians and the fishing industry.
Sealing Industry February 2nd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to confirm for the House that our government has reached an agreement with the Government of China for the export of seal meats and seal oil. Canada is now the only country that may export seal meat to China. This represents a great opportunity for our sealing families.
Whether it is standing up for traditional markets or opening new ones, our sealers know that they can depend on our Conservative government.
Questions on the Order Paper January 31st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and all exempt staff are subject to the proactive disclosure. The details of their travel and hospitality expenses can be seen on Fisheries and Oceans’ website at the following link: www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
Questions on the Order Paper January 31st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, the number of oil spills that have been reported to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Coast Guard, by federal agencies and provincial, territorial or municipal governments in the last four years in Canada is 969.
In 584 cases, an assessment was conducted by Canadian Coast Guard personnel and it was determined that no cleanup was required.
In 385 cases, Canadian Coast Guard determined that an operational cleanup was required as follows:
Cleanup operations were conducted by the polluter in 227 incidents (in these cases, the polluter assumed management of the response to the incident and the Canadian Coast Guard monitored their response operations);
Cleanup operations were conducted by the Canadian Coast Guard in 132 incidents (in these cases, the polluter was either unwilling, unable or was unknown and, as such, the Canadian Coast Guard managed the response), and;
The Canadian Coast Guard provided assistance as a resource agency in 26 incidents, CCG provided personnel and/or equipment to another lead agency for incidents that did not originate from a ship or were mystery-source.
Please note that an operational cleanup could include minor operations, such as placing sorbent pads and boom onto the water to recover sheens of oil, to more significant operations including the deployment of skimmers, containment boom and other pollution response equipment to recover more significant amounts of oil.
Questions on the Order Paper January 31st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), in 2009 $65 million of funding was earmarked for two programs: the short term transitional measures, STTM, lobster program, as well as the Atlantic lobster sustainability measures, ALSM, program.
Some $15 million was earmarked for the STTM lobster program which began September 22, 2009. By the end of 2009, approximately $7.1 million was spent.
Some $50 million was earmarked for the ALSM. No ALSM funds were spent in 2009.
In response to (b), the STTM program concluded March 31, 2010.
Of this, $1 million was spent on operation and management costs of the program, $8.6 million was spent on grants, and $5.4 million of unspent funding was reported at year end as lapsed funding.
Unspent funding was a result of fewer than expected lobster licence holders qualifying under the STTM due to higher revenues from lobster fishing than anticipated.
Some $6 million in funding proposals have been approved to date under ALSM and released in 2010. Additional funding proposals are under review.
In response to (c), it is the $50 million ALSM program which is in effect until March 31, 2014.
Flooding in Eastern Quebec December 16th, 2010
Mr. Speaker, we certainly extend our sympathies to the families and businesses along the St. Lawrence that have been affected by this disaster. At DFO, we are currently reviewing and cleaning up damage at all our small craft harbour facilities and will be responding accordingly.
As I mentioned yesterday, under Canada's economic action plan, our government has invested significant funds in small craft harbours across this country.