FOPO Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans met in camera at 3:32 p.m. this day, in Room 752, 131 Queen Street, the Chair, Rodney Weston, presiding.

The Chair presented the Second Report from the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure which read as follows:

1. That the Committee proceed with the work plan outlined below while considering modifications to the proposed calendar might arise.

2. That the Committee postpone its study on eco-certification in the fisheries sector until a more convenient time.

3. That the Committee devote one additional meeting to the study of the Main Estimates 2010-2011; that this meeting be held on May 5, 2010.

4. That the Committee initiate a study of aquaculture in the Pacific region, focusing on the interaction between sea lice and wild Pacific salmon, related drug treatments and possible solutions; that meetings be held on May 3rd, May 10th and June 7th, 2010, in order to study this matter.

5. That the Committee undertake its study of the snow crab industry in Atlantic Canada and Quebec by calling to appear on May 12, 2010, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans with the appropriate departmental officials, Department of Fisheries and Oceans scientists and science advisors; that the Committee hold hearings on the East Coast from May 25 to May 28, 2010, in order to hear from representatives of communities, representatives of corporate, traditional and aboriginal fleets as well as representatives of the processing sector; that the Committee report on its findings of urgent and immediate concern to the House before the summer 2010 adjournment.

6. That upon referral to the Committee of a bill renewing the Fisheries Act, the Committee request a briefing by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and hold a planning session for a comprehensive study in the Fall of 2010.

It was agreed, — That the Second Report of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure be concurred in.

It was agreed, — That the Chair seek the permission of the House to authorize the Committee to travel to the East Coast from May 25 to May 28, 2010, in relation to its study on the snow crab industry.

It was agreed, — That the Clerk of the Committee, in consultation with the Chair, prepare a draft budget respecting the Committee’s proposed travel to the East Coast for consideration by the Committee at a later date.

At 3:47 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.