FOPO Committee Meeting
Notices of Meeting include information about the subject matter to be examined by the committee and date, time and place of the meeting, as well as a list of any witnesses scheduled to appear. The Evidence is the edited and revised transcript of what is said before a committee. The Minutes of Proceedings are the official record of the business conducted by the committee at a sitting.
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Minutes of Proceedings
Mel Arnold moved, — That the committee invite the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to appear before the committee to provide up-to-date information on the government’s response to the landslide and answer questions from Members; and that in the invitation to the Minister, the Chair impart the urgency of the ongoing situation and request that the Minister appear before March 14, 2020, for a two-hour televised meeting with the committee.
At 8:51 a.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 8:53 a.m., the sitting resumed.
Ken Hardie moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “before March 14” with the words “before April 1”.
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Ken Hardie and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 7; NAYS: 4.
The question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to, by a show of hands: YEAS: 11; NAYS: 0.
The motion, as amended, read as follows:
That the committee invite the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard to appear before the committee to provide up-to-date information on the government’s response to the landslide and answer questions from Members; and that in the invitation to the Minister, the Chair impart the urgency of the ongoing situation and request that the Minister appear before April 1, 2020, for a two-hour televised meeting with the committee.
Jaime Battiste moved, — That the committee undertake a study of at least three meetings to investigate and consider options to address the supply and shortage of herring bait in Atlantic Canada and to explore new options for bait such as Asian Carp as a replacement for the depleting herring stocks.
Debate arose thereon.
Robert J. Morrissey moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words "three meetings to investigate” the following: “the state of Atlantic Canada herring stocks and hear from the Department officials on plans to rebuild these herring stocks; that the committee investigate”.
Debate arose thereon.
By unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
After debate, by unanimous consent, the motion was withdrawn.
Jaime Battiste moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of at least three meetings to investigate the state of Atlantic Canada herring stocks and hear from the Department officials on plans to rebuild these herrings stocks; that the committee investigate and consider options to address the supply and shortage of herring bait in Atlantic Canada and to explore new options for bait such as Asian Carp as a replacement for the depleting herring stocks; and that the committee report back to the House.
Debate arose thereon.
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “Atlantic Canada” the following: “and Quebec”.
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Maxime Blanchette-Joncas and it was agreed to.
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 study of at least three meetings to investigate the state of Atlantic Canada and Quebec herring stocks and hear from the Department officials on plans to rebuild these herrings stocks; that the committee investigate and consider options to address the supply and shortage of herring bait in Atlantic Canada and Quebec and to explore new options for bait such as Asian Carp as a replacement for the depleting herring stocks and; that the committee report back to the House.
Ed Fast moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study examining the scope and effects of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) on Canada's fisheries resources and the degradation of those resources caused by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; and that the committee receive witness testimony from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister of National Defence, officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Department of National Defence and Canadians impacted by IUU fishing; that the committee allot no fewer than eight two-hour meetings to receive said testimony; that the committee also accept written briefs from individuals or organizations who wish to submit input; and that the committee submit its findings with recommendations in a report to the House with a request for a government response.
At 9:29 a.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 9:32 a.m., the sitting resumed.
After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.
Blaine Calkins moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the socio-economic impacts of the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans’ decision to restrict recreational and commercial fishing for chinook salmon on the south coast of British Columbia in 2019 to fully understand the impact of this decision on small businesses and coastal communities; that as part of its study, the committee travel to the West Coast to meet with those impacted, including small businesses that were affected last year and are observing significant hardship in business for 2020 due to the reduction of opportunities in the public fishery; and that, as part of its study, the committee assess measures, including measures other than fisheries management, that could deliver increases in chinook salmon stocks while allowing for access and opportunity for harvesters.
At 9:34 a.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 9:36 a.m., the sitting resumed.
Gord Johns moved, — That the motion be amended by adding the following: “That the Department give a full briefing on all public consultations that took place on the West Coast with the affected fishers”.
On motion of Ken Hardie, it was agreed, — That the debate be now adjourned on the amendment.
Ken Hardie moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and given the decline in Pacific salmon stocks and the ongoing situation with Big Bar Landslide, the committee undertake a study on the state of Pacific salmon and make recommendations on next steps to ensure for the long-term health of these stocks, as well as the commercial, indigenous and recreational fisheries that depend on them; that the committee call witnesses including senior departmental officials, First Nations, and relevant stakeholder groups to testify before committee; and that the committee report back to the House.
Gord Johns moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “the state of Pacific salmon” the following: “as its first study”; adding after the words “depend on them,” the following: “that this study consist of at least six meetings, with two of those meetings focused on the Big Bar slide”; and adding after the words “testify before the committee” the following: “and that an interim report be completed on the Big Bar slide before the full study is complete”.
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Gord Johns and it was agreed to.
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) and given the decline in Pacific salmon stocks and the ongoing situation with Big Bar Landslide, the committee undertake a study on the state of Pacific salmon as its first study and make recommendations on next steps to ensure for the long-term health of these stocks, as well as the commercial, indigenous and recreational fisheries that depend on them; that this study consist of at least six meetings, with two of those meetings focused on the Big Bar slide, that the committee call witness including senior departmental officials, First Nations, and relevant stakeholder groups to testify before committee; that the committee report to the House; and that an interim report be completed on the Big Bar slide before the full study is complete.
Mel Arnold moved, — That the following reports of this committee in the 1st Session of the 42nd Parliament be adopted as reports in this session:
- Report 21, West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits;
- Report 23, Striped Bass in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Miramichi River: Striking a Delicate Balance;
- Report 25, Aquatic Invasive Species: A National Priority;
- Report 26, In Hot Water — Lobster and Snow Crab in Eastern Canada; and
that the Chair present the reports to the House; and that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.
After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.
Mel Arnold moved, — That, in relation to the four reports previously readopted, dissenting or supplementary opinions be submitted to the Clerk of the committee, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020.
At 9:59 a.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 10:04 a.m., the sitting resumed.
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words "four reports previously readopted, dissenting or supplementary opinions be submitted to the Clerk of the committee, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020. " by replacing with the words "the report readopted above entitled "West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits", dissenting or supplementary opinions be submitted to the Clerk of the committee, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020; and that in relation to the reports readopted above entitled "Striped Bass in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Miramichi River: Striking a Delicate Balance", "Aquatic Invasive Species: A National Priority" and "n Hot Water — Lobster and Snow Crab in Eastern Canada", dissenting or supplementary opinions be submitted to the Clerk of the committee, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020.".
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Maxime Blanchette-Joncas and it was agreed to.
After debate, the question was put on the motion, as amended, and it was agreed to.
The motion, as amended, read as follows:
That, in relation to the report readopted above entitled "West Coast Fisheries: Sharing Risks and Benefits", dissenting or supplementary opinions be submitted to the Clerk of the committee, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2020; and that in relation to the reports readopted above entitled "Striped Bass in the Southern Gulf of St. Lawrence and Miramichi River: Striking a Delicate Balance", "Aquatic Invasive Species: A National Priority" and "n Hot Water — Lobster and Snow Crab in Eastern Canada", dissenting or supplementary opinions be submitted to the Clerk of the committee, no later than 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020.
Robert J. Morrissey moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and given the potential consequences of seal predation on fish stocks along the East coast and following the government’s creation of an Atlantic Seal Science Task Team, the committee undertake a study on seal predation and their effects on Atlantic fish stocks, primarily off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and explore the potential for other viable domestic markets for seal products; that the committee strongly consider travel to countries such as Scotland, Norway and Iceland which acted to conserve fish stocks as a result of seal populations; that the Chair be empowered to coordinate the necessary witnesses, travel, resources and scheduling to complete this task; that the committee call witnesses including senior departmental officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and interested stakeholder groups to testify before the committee; and that the committee report its conclusions and recommendations to the House.
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas moved, — That the motion be amended by adding the words “and Quebec” after the words “East coast” and after the words "Newfoundland and Labrador".
By unanimous consent, the amendment was withdrawn.
Mel Arnold moved, — That the motion be amended by deleting the words "along the East coast" and "primarily off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador" and by replacing the words “Atlantic fish stocks” with the word “Canada's fish stocks".
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Mel Arnold and it was agreed to.
The Committee resumed consideration of the motion, as amended, of Robert J. Morrissey, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and given the potential consequences of seal predation on fish stocks along the East coast and following the government’s creation of an Atlantic Seal Science Task Team, the committee undertake a study on seal predation and their effects on Atlantic fish stocks, primarily off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and explore the potential for other viable domestic markets for seal products; that the committee strongly consider travel to countries such as Scotland, Norway and Iceland which acted to conserve fish stocks as a result of seal populations; that the Chair be empowered to coordinate the necessary witnesses, travel, resources and scheduling to complete this task; that the committee call witnesses including senior departmental officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and interested stakeholder groups to testify before the committee; and that the committee report its conclusions and recommendations to the House.
The debate continued.
Gord Johns moved, — That the motion be amended by adding after the words “witnesses, including” the following: “indigenous communities,”.
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Gord Johns and it was agreed to.
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) and given the potential consequences of seal predation on fish stocks and following the government’s creation of an Atlantic Seal Science Task Team, the committee undertake a study on seal predation and their effects on Canada's fish stocks, and explore the potential for other viable domestic markets for seal products; that the committee strongly consider travel to countries such as Scotland, Norway and Iceland which acted to conserve fish stocks as a result of seal populations; that the chair be empowered to coordinate the necessary witnesses, travel, resources and scheduling to complete this task; that the committee call witnesses, including indigenous communities, senior departmental officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and interested stakeholder groups to testify before the committee; and that the committee report its conclusions and recommendations to the House.
Mel Arnold moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study examining fish harvesting regulations and selective fishing gears that could reduce by-catch of non-target species; that the committee allot no fewer than six two-hour meetings to receive said testimony; that the committee also accept written briefs from individuals or organizations who wish to submit input; and that the committee submit its findings with recommendations in a report to the House with a request for a government response.
After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.
Robert J. Morrissey moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study to examine the issue of seafood mislabeling and the potential economic, conservation and food safety risks that it poses to Canadian consumers as well as fishers and producers; that the Chair be empowered to coordinate the necessary witnesses, travel, resources and scheduling to complete this task; and that the committee report its conclusions and recommendations to the House.
Maxime Blanchette-Joncas moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “seafood mislabeling and the potential economic, conservation and food safety risks that it poses to” with the words “the implementation of a food traceability program to address fraud and mislabeling of seafood products and to examine its potential impact on the economy, conservation and food safety of”.
After debate, the question was put on the amendment of Maxime Blanchette-Joncas and it was agreed to.
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 study to examine the issue of the implementation of a food traceability program to address fraud and mislabeling of seafood products and to examine its potential impact on the economy, conservation and food safety of Canadian consumers as well as fishers and producers; that the Chair be empowered to coordinate the necessary witnesses, travel, resources and scheduling to complete this task, and that the committee report its conclusions and recommendations to the House.
Mel Arnold moved, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study examining government measures that have been taken to reverse declining Fraser River Steelhead population units and examine what measures are available to restore these stocks to levels of abundance; that the committee allot no fewer than six two-hour meetings to receive said testimony; that the committee also accept written briefs from individuals or organizations who wish to submit input; and that the committee submit its findings with recommendations in a report to the House with a request for a government response.
After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.
At 10:41 a.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.