Keith Ashfield

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 20th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the contrary is the truth. The government has demonstrated a strong commitment to science at Fisheries and Oceans since 2006, including $30 million to upgrade 13 laboratories at sites across the country, and $36 million to construct three new science vessels. This government has been focused on marine science. We have invested $14 million to complete mapping and data collection in the Atlantic and Arctic oceans for Canada's submission to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and $9.7 million in science to support emerging commercial fishing--

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 20th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, there was a multitude of questions from the member opposite.

We will have a more efficient, more effective department which will deal with the needs of fishers on the east coast, the west coast and in northern Canada.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 20th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the strategic review was an opportunity for the department to assess the performance of its programs. It also allowed us to ensure that we are responding to the priorities of Canadians. DFO is making steady progress in modernizing and improving our program and policy approaches to meet the needs of Canadians today and in the future.

[Search and Rescue, October 19th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, the member opposite knows full well that the search and rescue system is made up of a network of potential responders that includes the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard auxiliary, the Canadian Forces and any vessel of opportunity. Any vessel within the vicinity of a search and rescue call can be asked to assist.

When the flares are discharged, the CCG will treat it as a matter of distress. If the member would like to be constructive, he would help us to take this message back to the public so that lives are not put at unnecessary risk.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 18th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, a strategic review was an opportunity for the department to assess performance of its programs. It also allowed us to ensure that we were responding to the priorities of Canadians. We have the responsibility to spend taxpayer money prudently and where it will do the most good. We must ensure that government programs are efficient and effective and achieve the expected results of Canadians.

DFO is making steady progress in modernizing and improving our program and policy approach to meet the needs of Canadians today and in the future.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 18th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, our government understands the importance of salmon for British Columbia economically, historically and culturally. That is why the Prime Minister established the Cohen Commission of Inquiry in 2009. I encourage the member to support the work of Justice Cohen and the Cohen commission.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, as I said previously, the FRCC has historically served an important role, but activities have been replaced by other approaches. Fisheries and Oceans Canada has built into its operations other ways to gather input from fish harvesters, including industry participation, stock assessments, development of an integrated fisheries management plan and through advisory committees.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, our government has made tremendous investments in science since 2006, including $30 million to upgrade 16 laboratories and sites across the country, and $36 million to construct 3 new science vessels.

The government has focused on marine science. We have invested $14 million to complete mapping and data collecting in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans for Canada's submission to the United Nations convention.

We have done a lot for science—

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, we must ensure that the government spends money efficiently and effectively in achieving the expected results for all Canadians.

While the FRCC has historically served an important role, activities have been replaced by other approaches, such as the industry's participation in stock assessments and the development of integrated fisheries management plans, and through various advisory committees.

[Fisheries and Oceans, October 17th, 2011]

Mr. Speaker, of course nothing could be further from the truth. Science is an important part of fisheries management, and we honour that principle and will continue in the future gaining information from science to better manage our fisheries.