House of Commons photoLost her last election, in 2015, with 29% of the vote.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, we always have said this. Maybe we should be telling the NGOs this, because they have been very active in Europe spreading mistruths about our seal hunt. Maybe they can now turn their sights on something in Europe.
To get back to the seal hunt, and the hon. member knows this, when parliamentarians in the European Union received letters from a Liberal senator from Canada, it had to be very confusing to them as to whether Canada supported or did not support the seal hunt.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, as part of our economic action plan, our government announced a very generous package to provide access to capital through BDC and EDC. They have been very active within the fishing industry.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, I want to quote from a gentleman the hon. member would know quite well, by the name of Earle McCurdy, who is a natural commissioner. He says:
I think it's nonsense to claim that, in respect to what most people claim as “custodial management”. I do not agree with it. The new regime that we have is, in my personal opinion, and if given the choice between the old regime and the proposed new regime--on the balance of all considerations--an improvement.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, we have not yet announced the management plan for that fishery. We will be completing it soon.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, I do not think anybody caught the first word the hon. member said about the type of fishing
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, the Pacific integrated groundfishery is an important example of ecosystem-based management where all fish harvested, target catch and bycatch, is accounted for. This management approach was developed though a collaborative effort involving DFO and the fishing industry. It is particularly important for the protection of Pacific rockfish.
As my colleague noted, the fishing industry should be commended for its collaboration. I also believe that the industry has been rewarded for its efforts through such benefits as longer and more viable seasons and fisheries will no longer be threatened by excessive bycatch.
To be certain, in these tough economic times, fishers do not need any additional threats to their livelihoods. We are proud of this success story.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, the government recognizes that Canada's oceans--the Pacific, the Arctic and the Atlantic--are critical to the social and economic well-being of coastal and rural communities. We support actions to preserve and protect our ocean resources through greater surveillance and enforcement along our coasts, for example. DFO is also working on furthering ecosystem assessments and our capacity to deal with increased activity in arctic waters.
Actions such as these on our own shores are essential, as are partnerships with other countries. This government continues to collaborate with international partners on ocean and transboundary water matters to deliver on DFO's mandate on behalf of Canadians. Sustainability continues to be a cornerstone of how this government manages Canada's oceans and their precious resources so that future generations may enjoy their riches.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, the hon. member has posed a very relevant and important question. I am proud to say that we are making strong progress in implementing the Oceans Act. This government recognizes that the richness and biodiversity of Canada's oceans provide enormous potential for present and future generations.
The health of our oceans and sound management of ocean resources are not only coastal issues, they are truly national and affect all Canadians. That is why we have adopted and are implementing an oceans strategy. Canada has also established five large oceans management areas covering over two million square kilometres, designated seven marine protected areas with more to come, and recently held our first stakeholder forum for the Pacific north coast integrated management area.
DFO is working diligently with other departments to implement the Oceans Act and Canada's ocean strategy to ensure healthy and productive marine ecosystems in support of sustainable communities and economies.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, when the management plan is complete, it will be made public.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Madam Chair, as I said previously, when the management plan is completed, it will be made public.