Fisheries committee  I don't think I'll challenge their constitutional right at any time. I think we understand where they have rights and we have privileges. I think we're willing to accept that fact. The participation we've had by first nations in our area has been excellent. They work with us. The

Fisheries committee  I think we go back to experiences that were positive in the past and look at how they worked and how industry and DFO came together. There have been some positive plans that were put in place and real conversations that were had, not just consultations. This process is managed

Fisheries committee  My recommendation would be that they go back to square one and establish a proper process that is inclusive not exclusive, to make sure that all the participants who will be affected will be properly consulted and will be giving evidence, and have their questions answered in a pr

Fisheries committee  I'm sure there are some areas that are worthy of protection. I said it in my comment: obviously a healthy fish is a healthy fishery at the end of the day. At the same time, we can't forget what has been happening that has been very positive for the fishery. For the general publ

Fisheries committee  I can relate back to our experiences at the two meetings and the many phone calls we have placed with DFO to get clarification. We simply heard that the answer would be forthcoming. We haven't heard the answer yet, on many things. Specifically on why this trough and why this area

Fisheries committee  The first we heard was that they had an area of interest. When they talked to us, I think in November, that was the first we heard of it. We heard the buzzword of “MPA”. It was flowing everywhere.

Fisheries committee  Pretty well all the associations that would be affected by the area were first approached.

Fisheries committee  In my personal opinion, I think they're listening to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Fisheries committee  From my experience and the discussion I had with DFO, I think they're moving too fast, based on the knowledge they have to support what actions they want to take. That's the main concern we have. If they had brought the evidence before us to say, “The Cape Breton Trough is specia

Fisheries committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for inviting us to appear before you. MPAs constitute a very important subject. My comments will refer to the one that was contemplated for the western side of Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Trough, as it's best known. My past experience in