Question Period Note: Standing House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans’ Report on Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans

Will the government fully implement the recommendations detailed in the Standing House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans Report on Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans?

• Our government is committed to protecting Canada’s oceans and aquatic ecosystems and growing Canada’s fish and seafood sector, guided by scientifically sound advice.
• I appreciate the Committee’s efforts and the time invested in developing the report and its recommendations.
• My Department is reviewing the Committee’s recommendations to ensure that the best available science is used to inform Government decision-making

• On March 9, 2023, the Standing House Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (FOPO) tabled its report on Science at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
• Departmental staff are reviewing the report and will be preparing a government response to the recommendations in the report.
• The report follows 14 meetings of the Committee between April 26, 2022 and February 13, 2023.
• The committee heard from 57 witnesses, including Departmental officials, the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, Indigenous organizations, academics and fisheries scientists, fisheries and aquaculture organizations, conservation organizations, and others.
• DFO officials were invited to appear before the Committee on two occasions, on April 26, 2022, (the first meeting of the study) and on October 7, 2022.

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