Verna Docherty, by videoconference from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Marc LeCouffe, Jacqueline Perry, by videoconference from St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Patrick Vincent and Mark Waddell answered questions.

At 9:47 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 9:50 a.m., the sitting resumed.

It was agreed, — That, in the process of the consideration of Bill C-68, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and other Acts in consequence, members of the Committee be able to refer to and utilize any and all testimony heard and briefs received in relation to the previous study titled Review of changes made in 2012 to the Fisheries Act: enhancing the protection of fish and fish habitat and the management of Canadian fisheries.

It was agreed, — That, due to the overlapping nature of the Committee’s previous study on the changes to the Fisheries Act and the decision to utilize its evidence in the study of Bill C-68, An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and other Acts in consequence, the Committee dedicate no more than six meetings to witness testimony for their consideration of Bill C-68, beginning on April 24, 2018, with an appearance by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Department Officials, followed by five meetings, three of which will occur at the regular scheduled time and two which will occur later in the day in order to accommodate witnesses from the West Coast, and then, having concluded these meetings, proceed to clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill taking place over two meetings which will occur on May 22 and 24, 2018, with amendments due on May 10, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. and that the clerk shall be empowered to coordinate the necessary witnesses based on a prioritized list by committee members, resources and scheduling to complete this task.

At 10:30 a.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 10:31 a.m., the sitting resumed.