Gail Shea

[Fisheries and Oceans, March 27th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I have not denied any request for a meeting. However, as I have said before in the House, licensing issues are confidential between the licensee and the department and is not something I can discuss with a third party.

[Seal Hunt, March 23rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the seal hunt does begin today around Îles-de-la-Madeleine. After being the subject of very disappointing attacks by both the Liberals and special interest groups, the sealers are a very resilient bunch.

I want to assure the 6,000 Canadian sealing families that they have the full support of the government, and we wish them a safe and very prosperous season.

[Fisheries and Oceans, March 12th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, the current legislation does give the minister absolute discretion in issuing those licences. I am confident that my predecessor made a good decision of sound judgment.

[Fisheries and Oceans, March 12th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, on any application, extenuating circumstances must be taken into account. Licensing decisions are confidential matters.

[Fisheries and Oceans, March 5th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as you know, licensing issues are confidential.

I have great faith in my predecessor. There are a number of different issues around licences. I know he would have taken them all into account, and I will not be appealing an appeal.

[Seal Hunt, March 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, our government has spent much time and resources defending the Canadian seal hunt abroad and here at home, which we were disappointed that we had to do. The hunt came under attack in Europe and now it is under attack right here in Canada.

We will continue to support our Canadian sealers. We will continue our efforts in Europe to ensure that the facts are known about the Canadian seal hunt and that our sealers are supported 100%.

[Seal Hunt, March 3rd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, the Conservative government will continue to defend the rights of Canadian sealers to provide a livelihood for their families through a lawful, sustainable and humane hunt. We will continue to inform international discussions with factual material.

We will stand up for Canadian sealers, unlike the Liberal Party of Canada, which has attacked them.

[Seal Hunt, March 2nd, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, our government has spent much time and resources defending the Canadian seal hunt which has come under attack in Europe.

Now we find out that the seal hunt is coming under attack by the Liberal Party right here at home. The Liberal senator from Ottawa Centre intends to legislate an end to the Canadian seal hunt while the Liberal leader's very close adviser, Warren Kinsella, is quoted as saying, “--the seal hunt is also appalling, and has become way more trouble than it is worth”.

The Liberal Party is telling thousands of families who depend on this hunt, “Too bad. Go find a new way of life”. This is appalling.

[Fisheries and Oceans, February 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that the Province of B.C. asked for jurisdiction over salmon farming and that an agreement was reached with the Government of Canada.

However, I can tell the House that the Government of Canada has set aside $1 billion for communities in need. If there is a need in the salmon industry in B.C., some funds are available to address the issues that are brought forward.

[Fisheries and Oceans, February 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we could not have known for months that this was coming because it is my understanding that the court decision just came down a few days ago. The litigation has been ruled on regarding whether provincial or federal jurisdiction applies in B.C.

We do have a one year window to work with the province of B.C. and we will be doing that. In the meantime, however, we will continue to jointly manage the aquaculture industry through the application of both federal and provincial laws.