Mr. Chair, the salmon endowment fund was given $30 million in 2007, and I assume it can apply to the fund for funding for this purpose.
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Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, the salmon endowment fund was given $30 million in 2007, and I assume it can apply to the fund for funding for this purpose.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, there were several organizations that did not feel they had enough time to work on a 10 year plan. They said they were only contacted in October. They had to have their plan done by January. They did not feel that two months to work on a 10 year plan was enough time. We have made the plans voluntary for this year, and they will have extra time to work on those plans.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, I did have the pleasure to meet with the group that was referred to. They outlined their concerns. They were looking for some increase in crab quota, because apparently they fish a small quota right now. But no, we are not planning any increase to the crab quota this year.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, the licence was granted by my predecessor. The hon. member knows that licensing decisions are confidential matters and they will not be discussed on the floor of the House.
I believe the quota was increased in that area. Obviously the minister at the time felt that was the right thing to do.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, that will be decided by the lobster council in discussions with ACOA.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, I asked the hon. member for some information on the average catch in that area, but I guess he probably does not know that.
I do realize that rationalization is a problem. We are working on a plan for rationalization. We are gathering some information. The fishermen I have talked to want to see rationalization happen, and they are quite willing to be a part of it.
I want to point out to the hon. member that for as long as I can remember rationalization has been an issue in the Northumberland Strait. Maybe the hon. member could tell his constituents why that is.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, we have received all sorts of proposals around EI, and a number of other things. All the proposals and all the different ideas have gone to the Minister of HRSDC for consideration.
Maybe the member can enlighten us on the EI system and the current state of affairs in his area of the fishing industry and the projected catch for an average fisher in that riding.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, extensive consultations were held across the Maritime provinces and Quebec in May and June of 2005, with further consultations with provincial officials, aboriginal organizations and other stakeholders in the spring of 2008, at which time comments were provided on the draft of a new policy.
The policy will provide a modernized framework for setting priorities and making decisions with respect to Atlantic salmon and will help guide the delivery of DFO programs in the Atlantic salmon endowment fund.
It will also allow any input by community stewardship groups to more open and transparent decision-making.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, we are closely monitoring the aquaculture industry as it evolves, and I am encouraged by what I see. The management of aquaculture in Canada is constantly improving. Fish farming practices evolve as new scientific research is completed and new technologies are developed. These advancements are continuously integrated into new aquaculture practices.
To be successful in the long term, the Canadian aquaculture industry must be seen to be environmentally sustainable. There is a big opportunity for aquaculture into the future. It is predicted that there will be a severe shortage of fish around the world and that is one place where aquaculture can grow.
Business of Supply May 28th, 2009
Mr. Chair, as the lead federal department responsible for aquaculture management, Fisheries and Oceans Canada works with the provinces and other federal departments, and together we ensure that the aquaculture industry develops in an environmentally responsible way while remaining economically competitive in the national and international markets.
The management regime has adapted and grown with the industry. All aquaculture operations are subject to rigorous environmental monitoring under a number of federal and provincial acts. They have to meet high standards of environment sustainability. There is no single aquaculture act but, rather, a mix of legal tools for protecting the marine environment, which includes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; the federal Fisheries Act, which provides fish, fish habitat and water quality protection; the federal fish health protection regulations, which provide effective disease control; and the federal Species at Risk Act, or SARA, which protects endangered species.
Canada has measures in place to ensure a sustainable, efficient and effective aquaculture sector, and this government will continue to work with partners to foster even further growth.