Gail Shea

[Salmon Industry, October 5th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this is a serious issue and we take our response seriously. We want to do the right thing. We want to thank all the parties for their patience waiting for the response, but serious issues call for a very well planned and well thought out response. We will be bringing our plan forward.

[Salmon Industry, October 5th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have already met personally with harvesters from British Columbia to hear their views on the situation and to provide input on how we should respond. I will be meeting with more British Columbians. The situation is serious; we do realize that. We are working hard to ensure that the response reflects the views of the fishermen out of B.C. interests and that it responds to their needs.

The NDP member should at least wait until we present our plan before he starts to criticize anything.

[Fisheries and Oceans, September 30th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the input regarding the gradual automation and destaffing of lighthouses in B.C. and Newfoundland and Labrador.

With rapidly developing technology, an ever-changing technology, light stations in the rest of the country and around the world have been fully automated for quite some time now, and it is clear that mariner safety has not been compromised. However, it is my understanding that many light stations in British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador are located in remote areas, where lightkeepers perform a range of additional services.

I have asked therefore that a further review of the extent of these services at the remaining staffed light stations be undertaken and no further lighthouses will be destaffed until that review is completed.

[Fisheries, September 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, for the information of the House, science has not been cut at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. As a matter of fact, it has been increased.

I have been to British Columbia a number of times and have taken the time to speak to many people. I have probably met with 30 groups or more on the salmon issue in British Columbia. I have listened to their opinions and suggestions. We will take all those opinions and suggestions into consideration as we consider the best options for action.

I hope to announce the direction soon, but I think it is better to make the right decision as opposed to a hasty decision.

[Government Contracts, September 28th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the contract was awarded according to the tender process and all the rules in place were followed.

[Fisheries and Oceans, September 18th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Coast Guard's number one priority is marine safety and the men and women of our Coast Guard do a very good job of that. We certainly will not compromise marine safety.

We are moving toward the automation of our lighthouses, like every developed country around the world. This is a gradual and careful process that will take place over several years. Marine safety service has not suffered where operations have been automated, and we certainly will not compromise the safety of mariners.

[Fisheries and oceans, September 18th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, for the hon. member and the House, I would like to quote the fisheries minister in Newfoundland, on July 6, 2009, who said:

The fact that Canada would have to support a NAFO measure and then request its application in the (200-mile limit) seems to provide the necessary safeguard against any unintended consequence of the amended convention.

In another letter, the fisheries minister states, ”This along with securing the Canadian shares of NAFO-managed stocks makes an acceptable package”.

[Fisheries and oceans, September 18th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I can assure the hon. member that this government has strengthened Canadian sovereignty and we want to thank the former fisheries minister for NAFO now having teeth. This convention will spell out clearly that Canada has 100% jurisdiction over Canadian waters.

[Fisheries, September 17th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador was a party to the negotiations of the amended convention.

When our government inherited management of the international fisheries, the situation in the northwest Atlantic was desperate after years of Liberal neglect. We can thank the former federal fisheries minister for his tremendous work on this file.

Canada is a leader at the NAFO table and we have strengthened Canadian sovereignty. I have no idea why the--

[Lobster Fishery, September 17th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we certainly are not penalizing any fishermen. What we are doing is stepping up to the plate and helping the fishermen when they need it.