Fisheries and Oceans

The committee considered a motion from Aaron Gunn (CPC) for a production order to obtain documents related to the minister’s report on the salmon aquaculture transition plan for British Columbia. Gunn argued that the report was finished and sitting on the minister’s desk, and that the delay was causing uncertainty for workers, First Nations, and investors. He called for transparency and a vote on the motion.

Serge Cormier (Lib.) opposed the motion, stating that it undermined ongoing consultations with First Nations and the industry. He read excerpts from the draft transition plan, emphasizing its focus on innovation, support for workers and communities, protection of wild Pacific salmon, and collaboration with First Nations. He noted the government’s $686 million investment in the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative and a recent trilateral accord on wild salmon.

Robert Morrissey (Lib.) moved to adjourn debate on the motion and to move the meeting in camera. The committee agreed to both motions unanimously (yeas 9; nays 0). The production order motion was left unresolved.