Julie Miville-Dechêne, from Quebec.

Welcome to you both. For several years now, the Mingan Archipelago has been suffering more and more from the harmful effects of climate change, such as a drastic drop in the number of birds, seals, mackerel and herring, and of course, shoreline erosion. Now, in this case, I understand that you’re removing three islands from the park’s perimeter, including Île de la Maison, while expanding the park by 42 hectares.

Why are you doing this? What exactly are you doing in this park to combat climate change? I’m very attached to this park, where I used to kayak. I was able to see the wonders of the Mingan Islands.

You are not eliminating, but you are adding those islands.

I didn’t understand that while you didn’t suppress any islands, you are in this case extending it. That’s great news.

[Translation]

Here is my other question: what are you doing to combat climate change in this particularly fragile place?

I have one last question.

To protect their national parks, the United States has started limiting the number of people who can come there each day, and imposing quotas. Here in Canada, are we there yet?

[English]

So it’s nothing or permission?

You don’t have to go through them, but there are different zones. Thank you.

I’d like to follow up on Senator Sorensen’s point about the use of these national parks when they’re shared and when there’s cohabitation between non-Indigenous and Indigenous communities. I’m thinking, of course, of the new park in Labrador.

In British Columbia, there was the example of an Indigenous community that had historical and territorial rights to Joffre Lakes Park, which is a very popular tourist destination. An accommodation was made to close the park at the time of traditional gathering activities and certain celebrations.

Is there also a possibility, as part of your agreements with Indigenous communities, of closing the park entirely or partially? How does this fit in?

I understand your answer, but my question was more specific. In those agreements, do you have space to close the whole park, or are you doing it in specific places where there are sacred customs? I would like to know how those agreements are shaped or if they are shaped according to the evolution of the situation. I know that in British Columbia, the event I am referring to was complicated because the whole park was closed.

Thank you.

Is it possible to have a written summary of what you are doing in terms of preparing for climate change and protecting biodiversity in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve? Does that exist? I know you gave me two examples, but I would like it to be a little more fleshed out.

An explanation.