Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I could correct what I said earlier. We had engaged in some internal conversations and analysis within Global Affairs on what a change could look like. The present state of conversation is now at the centre.

Fisheries committee  I would have to check our records; I'm honestly not sure.

Fisheries committee  My understanding, Mr. Chair, is that those discussions are ongoing between DFO and the commission. There's certainly a clear commitment from DFO as well as from the commission to make sure that things get back on track, that things are clear and that we have the assured funding.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, again it's difficult for me to speculate. I think what has been helpful with other commissions where government officials have had a seat on the commission or the institution is that it's been very clear that they're there in the interest of the commission and that it's their role, and it's explained to them.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, the question was clear. I'm thinking through, given the number of different divisions at Global Affairs, our role on fisheries issues. I could certainly take that back and confer with colleagues on the trade side of the department, who I believe have a role. I'm trying to think from our team if we have other interactions with bilateral organizations focused on fisheries.

Fisheries committee  In that particular case, I would see a role for Global Affairs. We have played a role through our diplomatic network in the United States, including the embassy and our consuls general, to make clear to our American counterparts Canada's position on an issue and the reasons behind our position, to help explain to the Americans why we're proceeding in such a course of action.

Fisheries committee  I understand there was some analysis done in 2021 on the implications of a move. As I said earlier, there are pros and cons. As officials, we work with the structures that are in place. I think there is a good-faith effort under way by officials from DFO and at the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to put the relationship back on track and to codify some of the roles and responsibilities.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, that's a difficult question for me to answer, given the size and scope of the department. Certainly in the case of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, I can say that DFO speaks for Canada to the commission. The Canadian commissioners are part of the commission and speak, as the commission, back to Canada.

Fisheries committee  My understanding is that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans speaks for Canada when engaging with the commission. The DFO also has the responsibility for delivering the sea lamprey control program, which is a key component of the commission's work. We also heard that the commission has a very important role in research as well.

Fisheries committee  My understanding, Mr. Chair, is that the funding in budget 2022 was allocated through the Treasury Board submission process to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for five years and ongoing. Under the convention, the commission is to develop its budget, which includes activities for sea lamprey control, and then submit that budget to the contracting parties, Canada and the United States, for approval.

Fisheries committee  Certainly, and my understanding from last week's appearance by Department of Fisheries and Oceans officials is that discussions continue with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission's secretariat and that work is continuing on a memorandum of agreement that would lay out the process for how the funding will flow.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, as I understand it, in the United States the Department of State is responsible for the U.S. relationship with the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. I don't have a comment on the U.S. system; it is very much their business to decide how things are run. I would note, in the same way, that not all international organizations or bilateral institutions are managed by Global Affairs in Canada, and not all of them are managed by the Department of State.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I think if that was the Department of Fisheries and Oceans' response, they are probably best to explain the rationale behind it. What I can say is just to repeat my earlier comments, which echo the comments by Mr. O'Dea before this committee last week. As officials, we are very pragmatic and practical as to where the machinery of government lies on this issue.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I could clarify. The funds for the International Joint Commission and the Roosevelt Campobello International Park are appropriated to Global Affairs Canada and then transferred to the various bodies. We do not hold back monies. Funds for the International Boundary Commission were appropriated to Natural Resources Canada.

Fisheries committee  Yes, I believe I have a copy.