Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Standing Committee on Finance wants to comment on three areas pertaining to the Department of Renewable Resources. Firstly, on community consultation on marine life harvesting. Mr. Chairman, the standing committee Members expressed concern that marine life is being taken from Arctic waters without community consultation.
Although this may be an area of mandate of the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans, both levels of government have a responsibility to consult with communities affected. Our committee believes Renewable Resources must pay more attention to managing the development of northern fisheries, and protecting local interests with Fisheries and Oceans.