The committee proceeded to give drafting instructions to the analysts for a draft report.

It was agreed, — That members of the committee submit to the clerk additional drafting instructions for the drafting of a report not later than 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

It was agreed, — That the deadline for the submission of briefs be 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 22, 2024.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $500, for the study of subject matter of Supplementary Estimates (C), 2023-24, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $5,250, for the study of the plans to prevent violence during the 2024 elver fishing season, be adopted.

It was agreed, — That evidence received by the committee for its study titled “Plans to prevent violence during the 2024 elver fishing season” be deemed admissible evidence for the committee’s study titled “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing”.

It was agreed, — That future committee business be considered by the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure at a date to be decided by the Chair.

At 4:20 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 4:29 p.m., the sitting resumed in public.

Dominic Mallette, Parthi Muthukumarasamy and Sue Black made statements and answered questions.

At 5:30 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 5:34 p.m., the sitting resumed.

Genna Carey and Zachary Townsend made statements and, with Stanley King, answered questions.

Mel Arnold moved, — That, given that the carbon tax is increasing the cost of inputs for commercial fish harvesters, and that the government has committed to hiking the carbon tax on April 1st, the committee report to the House its recommendation to spike the hike, and axe the tax.

Robert J. Morrissey moved, — That the debate be now adjourned.

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, Richard Bragdon, Rick Perkins, Clifford Small — 4.

The committee resumed consideration of the motion of Mel Arnold, — That, given that the carbon tax is increasing the cost of inputs for commercial fish harvesters, and that the government has committed to hiking the carbon tax on April 1st, the committee report to the House its recommendation to spike the hike, and axe the tax.

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

YEAS: Mel Arnold, Richard Bragdon, Rick Perkins, Clifford Small — 4;

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