On motion of Serge Cormier, it was agreed, — That the committee allow consideration of his motion of February 8, 2024.

Serge Cormier moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a five-meeting study on the need for training and financial support for the next generation of fishers given the challenges they face entering into the field given the high cost of licenses and equipment and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and

1. that witnesses include young fish harvesters and aspiring young fish harvesters;

2. that witnesses include representatives from the fish harvesting industry and fish harvester unions;

3. that witnesses come from a wide variety of regional and linguistic backgrounds, including indigenous representation.

Furthermore, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee asks that the government provide a comprehensive response to its report.

Debate arose thereon.

The question was put on the motion and it was agreed to on the following recorded division:

YEAS: Lisa Marie Barron, Serge Cormier, Caroline Desbiens, Brendan Hanley, Ken Hardie, Mike Kelloway, Robert J. Morrissey — 7;

NAYS: Mel Arnold, Rick Perkins, Clifford Small, Fraser Tolmie — 4.

The committee resumed consideration of the motion of Serge Cormier.

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

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a five-meeting study on the need for training and financial support for the next generation of fishers given the challenges they face entering into the field given the high cost of licenses and equipment and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House; and

1. that witnesses include young fish harvesters and aspiring young fish harvesters;

2. that witnesses include representatives from the fish harvesting industry and fish harvester unions;

3. that witnesses come from a wide variety of regional and linguistic backgrounds, including indigenous representation;

4. that the committee commence this study immediately after the conclusion of the committee's study on the five-year review of the Fishery Act.

Furthermore, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee asks that the government provide a comprehensive response to its report.

Caroline Desbiens gave notice of the following motion:

That, in accordance with Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the scales used by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to set redfish quotas, in particular those announced by the Minister on January 26, 2024, in order to assess the extent of their effects on the shrimp fishing industry; that the committee allocate at least two meetings to conduct this study; that the February 27 meeting be allocated to hear from the Minister and senior DFO officials so they can answer the committee’s questions for two hours, and that the February 29 meeting be allocated to hear from any witnesses the committee deems necessary; and that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House.

Annette Gibbons made a statement and, with Doug Wentzell, Adam Burns and Brent Napier, answered questions.