This week the committee met twice to review the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ Supplementary Estimates for 2012-2013, as well as the Main Estimates for 2013-2014. Both meetings were televised and saw the committee hear from departmental staff. During Tuesday’s meeting the committee heard from the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans regarding the estimates.
Committee members asked questions to departmental staff on the estimates and changes to fisheries protections under bills C-38 and C-45. Of particular interest to committee members were changes to habitat protections included in these omnibus bills, changes in the management of the coast guard, and the departmental role in regulating commercial aquaculture.
On Thursday March 7th, vice-chair Robert Chisholm introduced a motion that the committee undertake an assessment of the closure of the Kitsilano coast guard station in Vancouver in light of lack of public consultation. In response, MP Randy Kamp introduced a motion to move deliberation on Chisholm’s motion in camera. Once Kamp’s motion was carried, the committee resumed in camera where the Kitsilano motion was defeated.