Oceans Act  Madam Speaker, based on the conversations I have had with some different sectors, the most recent announcement that the parliamentary secretary refers to seemed to be well received. The fishing industry obviously and the oil and gas industry need to be monitored for a balanced

Oceans Act  Madam Speaker, I am always concerned about balancing the two. The fishery is vitally important to the long-term viability of our province, and it is going to be there for a long time into the future. Hopefully, it will be sustainable and provide lots of economic opportunities for

Oceans Act  Madam Speaker, the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, which represents 15,000 members, supports this particular legislation. Obviously we are all concerned about making sure that we do the correct amount of science and consultation, which is and will continue to be ongoing once the b

Oceans Act  Madam Speaker, I would like to inform you that I will be splitting my time with the member for St. Catharines. Today we are talking about Bill C-55, a bill that would amend the Oceans Act and the Canada Petroleum Resources Act. Bill C-55 is an important element of our marine c

Rural Economic Development  Mr. Speaker, rural communities across Canada play an important role in our national economy and are a special part of the Canadian identity and vibrancy. As the MP for Bonavista—Burin—Trinity, a large rural riding, I see first-hand the unique sorts of issues faced by rural commun

National Dental Hygienists Week  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Oral Health Month. This week, April 6 to 12, is National Dental Hygienists Week. This week focuses on oral health for total health and how proper care of our teeth, gums and mouth can lead to better physical and mental well-being. Recognizin

Ray Walsh  Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride to honour the life and legacy of Ray Walsh. Mr. Walsh was a long-time musician known for his significant contribution to music in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sadly, Ray passed away on January 27 at the age of 75. Hailing from Bay de Verd

Canada Winter Games  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the athletes from my riding, many from very small communities, who will be competing in the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta, from February 15 to March 3: from Bonavista, Sara Diamond; from Clarenville, Deidre Patey,

Foreign Lobbyist Transparency Act  Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to speak to Bill C-278, an act to amend the Lobbying Act. Our government is committed to the continuous improvement of the Lobbying Act and welcomes this debate on the subject. Lobbying has been part of getting things done in the countr

Veteran  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honour Mr. Hedley Lake, a resident of Fortune in my riding. Mr. Lake is a decorated Second World War veteran, who celebrated his 100th birthday on August 12. Mr. Lake was in active military service for five years, from 1940 to 1945. After two years o

National Defence Act  Mr. Speaker, how does the new defence policy of our government inform Bill C-77? How does this bill help victims in the military justice system? Could the parliamentary secretary elaborate on that?

Fisheries Act  Mr. Speaker, as we know, there are differing circumstances across Canadian jurisdictions when it comes to fish farming and aquaculture. Eastern Canada is very different from western Canada, and is managed with different levels of government. At this stage, we have seen some sig

Fisheries Act  Mr. Speaker, there are numerous reports that have been made from time to time about causes of the decline of many kinds fish stocks. One of the things we see happening now in Atlantic Canada, in Newfoundland and Labrador in particular, is the imbalance in the ecosystem in terms o

Fisheries Act  Mr. Speaker, as my hon. colleague said, we heard from many witnesses and groups through briefs and presentations at the fisheries committee. At the same time, many of these witnesses talked about habitat protection and other things that we have identified in this particular bill

Fisheries Act  Mr. Speaker, we cannot take the vitality of our fisheries for granted. The fish and seafood sector is the heart and soul of many rural coastal and indigenous communities across Canada, and indeed of my riding of Bonavista—Burin—Trinity. Fisheries provide good middle-class jobs th