Fisheries committee  I think, Mr. Chair, I would go back to the comments provided by our colleagues at Fisheries and Oceans to the committee last week that, because our interests are aligned in delivery of the fishery commission's mandate, there is no conflict. I do understand that there are differences of opinion.

Fisheries committee  That's correct, Mr. Chair.

Fisheries committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. No. I would go back to my opening statement and the reference to the letter from the chief financial officer at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which was sent in April. I think it went some way to resolving the issue of funding and making it clear that funds would be transferred and that there's a stable path forward for the future based on budget 2022 commitments.

Fisheries committee  I think, Mr. Chair, I would go back to the point that machinery of government decisions are made outside any one department. In the decision, the current construct is that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for the GLFC, and so Global Affairs is working with that model.

Fisheries committee  I think what I would say, Mr. Chair, to that question is that there are a number of different models. Not all of the relationships with international organizations or bilateral institutions are managed by Global Affairs. What we've seen in some of the regional fishery organizations and some of the bilateral fishery commissions we have with the United States is that those relationships are managed quite successfully by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

Fisheries committee  I think that's something I would have to take back, because it is outside the scope of our division.

Fisheries committee  The first thing to do is to assess the reasons for the problem. We do that through talking to as many people as possible. We then see if there's a way that we can resolve it through discussion at our level. If that isn't successful, then we'll see what tools Global Affairs can bring to the table to help resolve the issue.

Fisheries committee  I think what I would say, absolutely, is that the Department of Global Affairs has a role in defending Canadian interests and explaining them to our American colleagues. I think that, if there were specific details, I could certainly take that back and look at what instruments and tools we have at our disposal and, certainly, consult with colleagues at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to find a way forward.

Fisheries committee  I think what would be helpful, Mr. Chair, is to clarify the question, and then I can certainly respond to that in writing.

Fisheries committee  As I mentioned before, Mr. Chair, I can take that question back and see what written documentation can be provided to the committee.

Fisheries committee  If I could, Mr. Chair, I would reflect on last week's appearance by representatives of both the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. I think what we heard was certainly a good-faith effort on both parties' behalf to get things back on track.

Fisheries committee  Mr. Chair, I think there is a difference of opinion or there are different views on the machinery of government for the GLFC. As officials, our role is to certainly work with the construct as it's set. We watch very closely from Global Affairs Canada the views of our American colleagues on the commission.

Fisheries committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think our relationship is one where we recognize the importance of the commission. We certainly recognize the role that it plays in supporting the Great Lakes fishery. That is why we're in touch with officials at the secretariat, either informally or at events where we'll speak.

Fisheries committee  With respect, that would be outside the responsibilities of the division where I sit at Global Affairs. Our role is much more to monitor the state of the relationship with the U.S. on various transboundary issues, including water issues. When it comes to private sector and the role of companies, I would have to take that back and see which departments or parts of our own department might be better placed to answer.

Fisheries committee  No, I think what bureaucrats are charged with doing is finding effective ways to implement the various provisions in a treaty.