Fisheries and Oceans  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question and for his work to support fisheries in his riding of Acadie—Bathurst. This morning I was happy to announce updated measures to protect the North Atlantic right whale. We are working in collaboration with industry as well as with our conservation experts, but I want to be clear that the measures and progress we are making are only possible because of the support, hard work and co-operation of our fish harvesters.

Indigenous Affairs  Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada is working collaboratively with the five Nuu-chah-nulth first nations to advance reconciliation with regard to their right to fish and sell fish. An incremental reconciliation agreement for fisheries resources concluded in September 2019, and subsequently, we moved forward collaboratively with more comprehensive reconciliation negotiations for fisheries resources.

Rail Transportation  Madam Speaker, we recognize the concerns raised by the hon. member opposite. Our government remains committed to railway safety, as well as security, efficiency and environmental responsibility. I would be happy to have the minister discuss this with him at a later time.

Fisheries and Oceans  Mr. Speaker, we recognize the importance of seafood exports across this country. That is why we are working with our harvesters, our communities and our partners in the U.S. to address these issues. We will continue to do that as we go forward.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, as part of its commitment to an in-depth understanding of emerging technologies, in 2008, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, DFO, assessed the technical feasibility of closed containment methods for salmon aquaculture, sourcing input and information from 60 international experts.

Questions on the Order Paper  Mr. Speaker, in response to (a), in developing Bill C-68 to modernize the Fisheries Act, including restoring lost protections to fish and fish habitat, extensive consultations were undertaken with indigenous peoples, other levels of government, industry and non-government organizations, and the public at large.

Fisheries and Oceans  Mr. Speaker, as this is the first time I rise in the House, I want to thank the people of South Shore—St. Margarets for re-electing me. I would also like to congratulate the hon. member across the way for his re-election. I look forward to working with him on issues that are important to all Canadians.

Oil Tanker Moratorium Act  moved: That a message be sent to the Senate to acquaint their Honours that, in relation to Bill C-48, An Act respecting the regulation of vessels that transport crude oil or persistent oil to or from ports or marine installations located along British Columbia's north coast, the House: agrees with amendment 1 made by the Senate; proposes that, as a consequence of Senate amendment 1, the following amendment be added: “1.

Telecommunications  Mr. Speaker, all Canadians need access to high-speed Internet, as well as mobile wireless networks, and our government has taken a number of steps to support affordability, competition, consumer interests and innovation in telecommunications. As a matter of fact, we have issued policy directives to the CRTC to state that consumer interests must be considered when making decisions, and we are directing the CRTC to investigate high-pressure sales tactics.

Telecommunications  Mr. Speaker, broadband and cellphone connectivity are key to our economic prosperity. We know we are taking real action to make sure we connect all Canadians. For Canadians living in rural areas, service providers will be able to continue offering rural wireless services until much faster 5G networks are deployed in those areas.

Infrastructure  Mr. Speaker, I was happy to visit Nunavut last month to announce our investment of up to $18.6 million in three green energy projects. Two of these projects will replace diesel-powered generators in six communities to improve energy efficiency and reliability as well as overall energy production capacity.

Rural Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, we know all Canadians need access to broadband as well as mobile networks, to participate in the digital world and also for safety. That is why our fall economic statement incentivized businesses to expand networks to rural areas. We are also making mobile projects eligible under the CRTC broadband funding.

Telecommunications  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for Pontiac, who raised this important issue in his motion, Motion No. 208, which the House supported. We know it is important for rural communities to have access to broadband and cellphone coverage. It is a safety issue and an economic issue.

Rural Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, our government understands that rural communities face unique challenges, requiring unique solutions. Since my appointment as minister of rural economic development, I have visited rural communities across the country to hear directly from Canadians, including in my hon. colleague's riding.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to helping communities build the infrastructure they need for this century and helping them better withstand climate change. That is why we are investing $2 billion over 10 years in the disaster mitigation and adaptation fund. Our government was in Brampton last week to announce that we are investing over $22 million in an erosion protection project that will protect the homes and businesses of residents in the entire region.