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Results: 136 - 150 of 1164
View Ken Hardie Profile
Lib. (BC)
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to the officials for being here.
We heard that tubbing had been a practice in place for decades. What changed? Did the tubs change, or did somebody just have a light go on over their head and say, “Gee, we need to reinterpret this”? It seemed so capricious, so last-minute and so arbitrary.
Ms. Reid, can you speak to that, please?
Rebecca Reid
View Rebecca Reid Profile
Rebecca Reid
2021-05-26 16:32
I can, Mr. Hardie.
Also, let me suggest that Nicole Gallant could have an opportunity to respond as well.
I will say that the use of tubbing has gone up recently from being a relatively uncommon practice when there was a higher reliance on export markets and on those types of packaging. With the prevalence of COVID and a turning towards domestic markets, and from meetings that were held with the industry, there was a reflection on the intention to use tubbing more commonly to benefit from the domestic markets.
It was in the context of the conversation around the regulatory requirements about products being readily available for inspection that this was discussed. That's where the issue really was raised initially; it was based on those consultations.
View Ken Hardie Profile
Lib. (BC)
Well, I don't know that “consultation” would be an apt word, because the moment the word came down that tubbing was to be forbidden, many people had the definite impression that the interdiction was immediate, that it simply wasn't going to be allowed, and it took a while to extract the information that there would be some latitude.
You say that tubbing prevents the product from being readily available, and yet we hear from the fishers that they can take a tub and thaw it out on the deck in a couple of minutes and give an inspector a very good look at what's inside the tub.
What's wrong with that?
Rebecca Reid
View Rebecca Reid Profile
Rebecca Reid
2021-05-26 16:34
Perhaps it would be useful to talk about the protocol that was agreed to, which addresses some of those concerns—
Rebecca Reid
View Rebecca Reid Profile
Rebecca Reid
2021-05-26 16:34
That really is my attempt to answer the question. There are a number of issues around it.
You have a frozen tub of prawns. You need to be able to assess the size. You can't do that if they're tucked into that frozen sea-water, so you need to be able to thaw the tub quickly enough so that it's effective. There are questions around how that works when you're on a boat. There are those types of issues.
A number of concerns were raised about how this was going to work, such as whether the product was “readily available” and what would happen to the product afterwards, because once it's warmed up or thawed, it's going to be ruined. There were questions of that nature.
I think the outcome—the protocol that was agreed to—finds a solution that addresses some of those concerns, and it was acceptable for both DFO and the industry reps.
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank all the witnesses appearing today for providing us with answers. We really appreciate it.
My question is about the history of the issue we are discussing today.
On the Atlantic side, users of the Cap-aux-Meules Harbour are experiencing difficulties that are jeopardizing fishing itself this year.
When did you at the department start discussing concerns you had about that type of fishing? I would like you to provide us with four dates: the date when you discussed this; the date when the decision was made; the date when you notified the fishers; and the date when fishing begins.
I'm addressing myself to Ms. Reid, Ms. Gallant or, of course, Mr. Davis.
Neil Davis
View Neil Davis Profile
Neil Davis
2021-05-26 16:39
Thanks, Rebecca.
As Rebecca mentioned in her opening remarks, this issue emerged somewhat inadvertently through conversations on a related topic between DFO and industry on matters of packaging and labelling. In a conversation with that group in late January, there was discussion about the increasing importance of tubbing, particularly with the pandemic and its effects on international markets for other product forms, and I think the expectation on the part of industry that—
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
I don't mean to interrupt, Mr. Davis, but, since we don't have much time, could you give us approximate dates?
You say that discussions were held in late January. When did you make the decision?
Neil Davis
View Neil Davis Profile
Neil Davis
2021-05-26 16:40
We began meeting with industry in early February when they raised this issue to our attention. Through the course of probably six, seven, eight or nine meetings between February and April, we had a discussion about potential options that led to basically our support for the protocol that was developed by the Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association in April.
The association communicated that out to their members in April. I think the members may be aware that then, early in May, the minister also issued a news release that confirmed that support for the broader public.
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
When did the fishing season begin, Mr. Davis? Can you give me an approximate date?
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
You say that industry representatives were consulted. However, according to what we heard at our previous meetings, it would appear that they were not consulted.
I want to make sure I understand. You say that you met at the request of industry representatives, and that they raised concerns over the freezing and preservation methods for prawns on ships. Did industry representatives themselves ask for a meeting and raise concerns?
I don't want to put words in your mouth, but that is how I understood your answer.
Neil Davis
View Neil Davis Profile
Neil Davis
2021-05-26 16:42
You're right. The industry did raise concerns, given the concern that DFO had raised about the potential for not meeting our regulatory requirements. We very quickly acknowledged that this was an issue of great concern to the industry and immediately began this series of meetings with them to talk about the nature of the issue and what we might be able to do to resolve it both in the immediate term and also in the longer term. Hence, that series of meetings essentially began immediately after we had heard from them about those concerns.
View Marilène Gill Profile
BQ (QC)
You are telling me that fishers' representatives were concerned about not complying with the rules. I will give you a choice of answers. Was it rather when you talked about it that they felt affected, as they were concerned about their fishing season?
Once again, I have not obtained a clear answer, and that is why I am asking you again. Did they tell you they were concerned about breaking the rules, and is that way you sat down together to resolve the issue and find solutions? That is my understanding, and I want to know whether that is indeed what you are saying.
Neil Davis
View Neil Davis Profile
Neil Davis
2021-05-26 16:44
The issue was raised in the course of initial discussions that happened on another matter. When that issue was raised, both the department and industry recognized that there was a problem. Industry expressed their concern about the possibility that what they expected to do as part of their—
Results: 136 - 150 of 1164 | Page: 10 of 78

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