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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 77

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 30, 2022 11:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 77 - May/30/22
Mr. Adam van Koeverden
  • May/30/22 10:23:28 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, my second question is on the topic of MPAs. It is evident that MPAs and MPA networks help to conserve and protect marine species and populations, the diversity of ecosystems that marine organisms depend on and special places such as underwater canyons and hydrothermal vents. Additionally, MPA networks also help to protect important ecological links between one area and another, contributing to improved species resilience and adaptation to future pressures. In fact, resilience and healthy ecosystems help to support sustainable industries, local economies and coastal communities. In time, protected areas can be a source of young fish to disperse to other areas and a source of larger and more abundant fish for unprotected areas near MPAs. An MPA network strategy clarifies our direction for marine conservation so that ocean users will have a clear vision of their potential access restrictions to marine resources. Depending on the important marine life that needs protection, additional activities beyond those already prohibited by the MPA protection centre may be limited or prohibited when they impact meeting an MPA's conservation objective. Mr. Chair, this past weekend, I had the privilege of being in your neck of the woods in the province of Nova Scotia. I was in Cape Breton. I ran the Cabot Trail relay and had a blast. I did visit the member for Cape Breton—Canso. We had a great chat. I also got to run a relay race around the Cabot Trail and visited a lot of fishing communities. I know how important this legislation is to them, so I thank them for their contributions. My final question for the minister is this. Would she explain how we determine what additional protection measures are needed within an MPA for continued support of ecosystems such as that around the Cape Breton region?
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Hon. Joyce Murray
  • May/30/22 10:25:23 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, I thank the member for the glowing reviews of the Cape Breton—Canso area. I think my parliamentary secretary appreciated that very much. Marine protected areas are an important tool in supporting the local economic prosperity of coastal communities. The question is about how we decide how to protect areas within an MPA. It is by using the best available knowledge. Areas of ecological and biological significance are identified, and protection approaches are advanced, through an extensive process of consultation, engagement and scientific and socio-economic assessments to ensure that the protections will be effective. This will include members of local communities, of course. Following this process and depending on the MPA's unique conservation objectives, activities may either be allowed, limited or prohibited. Once an MPA is established, the activities that are allowed to occur are managed in an adaptive manner that is flexible in response to ocean changes. An adaptive management approach is conducted with local partners in order to effectively protect over the long term.
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Mr. Clifford Small (Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, CPC)
  • May/30/22 10:27:06 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, it was interesting to hear the member for Milton, Ontario speak. I am wondering if the minister can let us know if the Kelso conservation area pond is being considered for an MPA.
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Hon. Joyce Murray (Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Lib.)
  • May/30/22 10:27:26 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, not that I know of yet.
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Mr. Clifford Small
  • May/30/22 10:27:32 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, we have heard a lot of non-coastal MPs speak here tonight. I am happy to be a coastal MP and ask some questions, and I am proud to be a former fishing captain. In the minister's first appearance before the fisheries committee, she explained how her experience in the tree planting business prepared her well to be the Minister of Fisheries. Many people in the industry found this to be a bit odd—
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The Chair
  • May/30/22 10:27:56 p.m.
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On a point of order, the parliamentary secretary.
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Mr. Mark Gerretsen
  • May/30/22 10:27:58 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, is the member suggesting that coastal MPs somehow have a superior right to debate within this—
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The Chair
  • May/30/22 10:28:09 p.m.
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I think we are getting into debate and I am glad that all members have an opportunity to debate this evening. The hon. member.
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Mr. Clifford Small
  • May/30/22 10:28:16 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, I do not need coaching when it comes to the fishery, especially from a man from the islands near Lake Ontario. Could the minister please explain—
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The Chair
  • May/30/22 10:28:28 p.m.
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A point of order, the hon. member for Milton.
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Mr. Adam van Koeverden
  • May/30/22 10:28:31 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, on a point of order, I am very curious if the member has any idea what a watershed is.
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The Chair
  • May/30/22 10:29:00 p.m.
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Let us all take a deep breath, everybody. The hon. member for Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame.
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Mr. Clifford Small
  • May/30/22 10:29:00 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, could the hon. minister tell us how her background in planting trees prepared her to be the Minister of Fisheries?
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Hon. Joyce Murray
  • May/30/22 10:29:11 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, I am happy to say I spent countless hours and days out in the wind and weather, often on the coast, doing hard work with my hands, so I have a real appreciation for what fish harvesters do.
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Mr. Clifford Small
  • May/30/22 10:29:27 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, that is wonderful. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the northern cod moratorium in Atlantic Canada. Why was the annual northern cod survey not completed this year?
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Hon. Joyce Murray
  • May/30/22 10:29:42 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, COVID has interfered with some of the activities of this ministry.
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Mr. Clifford Small
  • May/30/22 10:29:49 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, does the minister consider it important to know what is happening with the cod biomass?
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Hon. Joyce Murray
  • May/30/22 10:29:57 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, every fishery is important to me, especially ones that are as challenged as the cod.
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Mr. Clifford Small
  • May/30/22 10:30:05 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, could the minister please explain why the cod survey was not completed this year?
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Hon. Joyce Murray
  • May/30/22 10:30:15 p.m.
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Mr. Chair, I answered that question already.
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