Randy Kamp

[Lobster Industry, May 14th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, obviously the member and some of his colleagues are missing the things that we already have done. In fact, if he read our economic action plan, he would see that we have already improved access to credit. We have already put in place a fund that will help with marketing. There are some conditions in the industry right now, such as a reduced demand, that have pushed prices down. This government has no control over those things. We are working on the things we can control.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 14th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this question is a little premature. As I just mentioned, she has a meeting tomorrow with all her provincial counterparts and all the main industry leaders from Prince Edward Island, his province, and the other provinces as well.

We will see what comes out of that meeting. We expect some solutions to come.

[Fisheries and Oceans, May 14th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, it is true that the lobster industry is facing some serious challenges. It is in crisis, like many industries are.

This is not a time to grandstand; this is a time to work together. That is what we have done. Our minister has had numerous conversations with her provincial counterparts. All are engaged in this throughout the Atlantic region. She is having a meeting tomorrow with industry and provincial leaders in Moncton, and we expect some good solutions to come out of that meeting.

[Committees of the House, May 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, I can see that my colleague opposite is well versed on this issue and that she feels strongly about it. She obviously knows sealing families; in fact, she might be related to some, but she certainly knows others.

Based on that personal experience, I wonder how she would respond to those who say, “the seal hunt is appalling and has become more trouble than it is worth”. That is an actual quote from a Liberal strategist's blog. I am not meaning to be partisan here, because I think there are many Canadians who might be thinking in those terms.

Having known these sealers, how would the hon. member respond to that?

[Committees of the House, May 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, my colleague covered the issues very well. My colleague will know that, as far as we can tell, built into the text of the proceedings in the European Parliament is an exemption for the Inuit. In spite of that exemption, Mary Simon, one of the Inuit leaders, said less than a week ago, in referring to this European action, “This will cause more despair among our Inuit youth”. In spite of the exemption, she is very pessimistic about what this will do for the Inuit people.

Would my colleague comment on that?

[Committees of the House, May 11th, 2009]

Madam Speaker, the fisheries critic for the Liberal Party speaks with great passion on this. I know he comes from Newfoundland, where this hits closer to home than for those of us from British Columbia, for example. I appreciate his sharing in this way.

What we were waiting for was a statement from his leader before the vote of the EU Parliament and a comment about the position of one of his caucus members. We thought that was a reasonable expectation.

The member ended his speech by saying he is going to press the government to do more. I would like to give him the opportunity to flesh that out a bit. What advice does he have for us? What does he think we should be doing from this point on?

[Lobster Fishery, May 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, this government is always concerned when fishers are faced with hardship, as the lobster fishermen in P.E.I. and other Atlantic provinces are this year due to the low price. We are continuing to work on this.

We have already taken some action by improving access to credit for harvesters, processors and buyers, and funding for marketing. We are working together with the provinces and industries to come up with a solution.

[Fishing Industry, May 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, as I just said, we are aware of these challenges. When there is an economic downturn and demand and prices are lower, we expect there to be some very serious challenges. We are monitoring the situation. We are continuing to work with the provinces and industry.

The solution will have to be a partnership of industry and both levels of government. We are working toward that.

[Fishing Industry, May 11th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, we are well aware of the challenges facing the lobster industry. We are in an economic downturn and we expect some challenges in all industries, including this one. We have already taken action to help by improving access to credit, as well as funding some marketing initiatives.

However, we expect that demand will be lower and prices will be lower so we expect the industry to do its part as well.

I continue to work with the provinces, industry, and the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development to work out solutions for this year as well.

[Species at Risk, May 8th, 2009]

Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying it is regrettable that this magnificent creature has come to this situation. My colleague will know that the process starts with a recommendation from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.

The legislation then requires consultation with affected stakeholders, including provincial and territorial governments and consultation with aboriginal organizations and industry, then analysis to provide input to the governor in council so that it can balance conservation issues with socio-economic impacts. That is the approach we are taking on the basking shark as well as other aquatic species.