The Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans met at 11:11 a.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Vice-Chair, Raynald Blais, presiding.

At 11:14 a.m., Randy Kamp took the Chair.

Raynald Blais moved, — That the following be reported to the House at the earliest opportunity:

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans calls on the government to:

a) intensify representations to the European Parliament and implement a widespread educational campaign in Europe to counteract the inflammatory campaigns of misinformation against the seal hunt waged by abolitionist groups.

b) do everything in its power to ensure that hunters and the seal industry have the best conditions possible for the 2009 hunting season.

Debate arose thereon.

John Duncan moved, — That the motion be amended by replacing the words “intensify representations to” with the words “continue urgent dialogue with”.

The question was put on the amendment of John Duncan and it was negatived.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

At 11:32 a.m., Raynald Blais took the Chair.

The witnesses made statements and answered questions.

At 12:26 p.m., Blaine Calkins took the Chair.

At 12:32 p.m., Raynald Blais took the Chair.

At 12:54 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.