Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, when it comes to any safeguards being removed, to me it poses a great threat. We need to provide adequate safeguards for everyone traversing the valley of the shadow of death—

Criminal Code  Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to rise in the House again this afternoon and speak to a bill that I believe deserves long and serious consideration. The ramifications of this bill will last a very long time, beyond any one Parliament or group of parliamentarians. Hence, it would be behoove this Parliament to make sure that we spend adequate time reflecting on this bill and making sure we get it right.

Christmas Greetings  Mr. Speaker, on that starry night many years ago, there was a message of hope given in a very dark place of history, declaring, “Be not afraid; I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. On this night, a saviour is born. Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and goodwill to all people.”

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, could the minister tell us, yes or no, is she in favour of the establishment of a second independent fishing authority?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, perhaps it can be forgiven that the minister appointed a third party special representative or mediator to deal with the fishing crisis before she read the Marshall decision. Now that she has read the Marshall decision, she knows that it is her responsibility to regulate the fishery.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, given that the Marshall decision clearly outlines that the minister can regulate both indigenous and non-indigenous fisheries for the purpose of conservation, is the minister willing to ensure that conservation seasons are respected by all fish harvesters?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, does the minister support the establishment of a second fishing authority, yes or no?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, is the minister currently negotiating the establishment of a second independent fishing authority, yes or no?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, I will ask one more time because I really feel this is important and Canadians are wondering, from coast to coast. They want clarity around this issue. No one is questioning the indigenous people's right to fish, at all. What this comes down to, though, is this: Is the minister in favour of establishing a second, independent fishing authority?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, we have heard testimony at committee from indigenous leaders, representatives from the commercial fishery, academics, scientists, former DFO employees and politicians, including the Liberal premier of Nova Scotia. We have even heard concerns from the minister's own caucus colleague, a former chair of the fisheries committee, the hon. member for Malpeque.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, why did the minister decide to pass the buck and ignore her responsibilities under the Marshall decision, which is the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has the authority over the fishery, by appointing a third party mediator to do her job?

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, I will be splitting my time this evening with the hon. member for North Okanagan—Shuswap. I am glad to hear that the minister has taken the time to read the Marshall decision since she was before our committee last week. It is one of the most important and foundational decisions as it pertains to fisheries.

Business of Supply  Madam Chair, has the minister's personally appointed special representative read the Marshall decision?

Nova Scotian Fishery  Madam Speaker, for months now the Nova Scotian fishing crisis has continued to escalate. Tensions have risen with each passing week. We have heard testimony at the fisheries committee from indigenous leaders, commercial fishermen, DFO representatives and academics. The common thread in this crisis is that no one is happy with the performance of the Liberal government.

Reduction of Recidivism Framework Act  Mr. Speaker, I absolutely believe we would only work in total conjunction with the provinces. The intent of this bill is not to supersede the areas of provincial jurisdiction. It would, in large part, at the beginning relate to federal prisons and federal inmates returning. If a province would like to roll out a pilot that would affect its provincial institutions and those incarcerated within its provincial jails, then by all means it can, but we would not go in and override, in any way, provincial jurisdiction.