Keith Ashfield

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 6th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. A consolidation of conservation and protection offices will improve the overall efficiencies the conservation and protection program will provide for a more strategic deployment of limited resources to higher-risk areas.

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 6th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I have indicated many times, it should be no surprise to the member opposite that we are trying to find efficiencies in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. We are doing that. We are not only making it more efficient, we are saving taxpayer dollars, and we will continue to do that. We think that is the best way to operate.

[Fisheries and Oceans, June 5th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I have said many times that we are focusing our fish and fish habitat protection on Canada's fisheries. In fact, it is true that municipalities across the country have indicated to me on many ocassions that the red tape they have to go through for work in and around minor waterways is excessive.

I have a quote from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities that says, “By reducing the time municipal employees are forced to spend filling out forms...the changes will make it faster and less expensive for local governments to perform routine public services”.

[Search and Rescue, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated before, the safety of mariners is our primary concern. We are going to strengthen our relationships with our partners on water search and rescues, partners such as the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue, a volunteer group. We are very proud to have these people. They do fine, incredible work, unlike what we heard earlier today. Our volunteers do incredible work, and we are proud to work with them and proud to support them and help them in their work with us.

[The Environment, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, our government will continue to provide advice on the effects of contaminants. That is why we are establishing a national advisory group that will provide advice on priority issues and will manage a research fund.

Through this new advisory group, the department will continue to provide science advice on contaminants and will provide funding to universities and other facilities to do the research.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, there have been no substantive changes to the Fisheries Act since 1977. This is 2012.

I respect the individuals who made the comments, but I believe that what we have proposed would strengthen our habitat rules. We are focusing on recreational, aboriginal and commercial fisheries. The rules that we are putting in place will actually strengthen many areas and provide a clearer answer to Canadians as to what they can do in and around waterways.

[Search and Rescue, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I find it shocking that the member opposite would demonize our volunteers, the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue unit. It is inexcusable to talk in those terms.

In no way would we be jeopardizing the safety of our mariners at any time. We are confident that going forward we will be providing a service. The best way to provide a high level service of search and rescue to Canadians is with a combined contribution of dedicated responders, our SAR volunteers and partners across the country.

[Search and Rescue, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, nothing could be further from the truth. Our first priority is always, primarily and foremost, the safety of mariners. Levels of search and rescue service in Vancouver will remain the same. In fact, the Coast Guard will establish a new inshore rescue boat station for the summer season in Vancouver and strengthen partnerships with people like the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue group. Also, a new hovercraft will be in service early next year, which will improve the search and rescue response capability in the Vancouver area.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, we are focusing on fish and fish habitat protection rules on Canada's fisheries. I have said that many times. The changes that we are making are vast improvements over the current act. We will be identifying ecologically sensitive areas, make fisheries hatch conditions enforceable and allow higher maximum penalties for rule breakers. We will also create new and clear accessible guidelines for Canadians to follow prior to produce in or near waters.

We are making substantial changes and NDP governments, such as in Manitoba, are very supportive of the changes we want to make.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 30th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the Centre for Offshore Oil, Gas and Energy Research is not shutting down. Important research currently being done by scientists at the centre will now be done through a new advisory group that will provide advice on priority issues and will manage a research fund. Through this new advisory group, the department will continue to provide science advice on contaminants and will provide funding to universities and other facilities to conduct research.