Christianne Wilhelmson, by videoconference from Vancouver, British Columbia, David Bain, by videoconference from Tothell, Washington, Moira Brown, by videoconference from Campobello Island, New Brunswick, Robert Michaud, by videoconference from Quebec, Quebec, and Lance Barrett-Lennard, by teleconference from Vancouver, British Columbia, made statements.

Moira Brown and David Bain answered questions.

Mel Arnold moved, — That, whereas indigenous recreational and commercial fisheries are highly valued in Canada and whereas invasive species pose a significant threat to native aquatic species, such as salmon, whales, and the habitats that sustain them, and whereas invasive species pose a significant threat to ecosystems, the environment, and economies, that the Committee undertake a study to examine the aquatic invasive species (AIS) component of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans oceans protection program and the objectives of examining the AIS resources and mandate to assess: a) the Department's resources dedicated to preventing and eliminating aquatic invasive species; and b) whether such resources are distributed across Canada in an equitable and consistent manner and whether the AIS program has the resources required to be effective in its mandate.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

Robert Michaud, Christianne Wilhelmson, Lance Barrett-Lennard, David Bain and Moira Brown answered questions.

At 12:43 p.m., Todd Doherty took the Chair.

At 12:45 p.m., Ken McDonald took the Chair