To answer the first part of your question, senator, as Mr. Campbell pointed out earlier, this bill doesn’t change anything to section 40 of the Canada National Parks Act that recognizes rights holders in the creation or expansion of existing national parks.

In terms of the cabin issue itself, I will turn to one of you for existing versus new construction?

Within what is looked at within the act is — again, coming back too, there are two groups — one, and as previously mentioned by Senator Wells, the group in the establishment agreement, there were, in fact, two different types of groups. There were those who were rights holders and those who were traditional land users.

In the traditional land user definition, one of the elements within that agreement was also the establishment of what was called a shared understanding agreement with the NunatuKavut.

Senator, coming back to you, that is where, potentially within that incorporated group, there could be many thousands of members. Where we need to continue that discussion with the Innu Nation is to look at that from a cabin perspective.

There would be cooperative and co-management, in fact, with the two rights holders groups. We would be in a position where the superintendent could, and I’m not — but it would be under the direction of the three groups together — sorry, the two rights holders groups and Parks Canada — I don’t want anybody to be confused about the three I am talking about — and the establishment of that.

It is not a unilateral decision, to answer your question about the authority of the superintendent.

Minister, you mentioned the government is going to expand parks. We are a big country, a big land mass. I think we could use more national parks, properly created.

You also mentioned marine sanctuaries; again, properly handled and in consultation with those who live and fish off the water, that is important. I do support it in principle. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the proposed marine sanctuary in Port Hilford, Nova Scotia, and what you know about it?

For the record, Port Hilford is the birthplace of Wilf Carter, Canada’s first international music star. I would like to see Port Hilford put back on the map with this marine sanctuary for whales.

Are you familiar with this project? Have you had any interaction with the people who are building or proposing this? Can you give us any update on it?

I am not familiar with that project, senator. We could follow up with your office in writing on this to get you the right information. I don’t have it with me.

Thank you.

[Translation]

I’ll get right into it so as not to waste a moment.

Let’s talk some more about Quebec. Recently, in March, the governments of Canada and Quebec announced their joint intention to begin the process to expand the boundaries of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park. It is home to 2,200 species, some of which are vulnerable, such as the beloved beluga.

When will the park be expanded, and exactly what will you do to protect the belugas? There is a conflict between the region’s tourism needs and the belugas’ well-being. Will boats have to stay farther away? What’s the plan for humans and belugas?

That’s a good question, Senator.

Depending on the project, a number of activities are allowed in protected marine areas. This may include fishing or even commercial fishing, as well as tourism and marine transportation, of course. The benefit of having conservation areas like these is that all activities have to prioritize conservation, and that’s totally different from what happens outside conservation areas. For example, commercial vessels have to slow down. There’s a code of practice for tourism and eco-tourism activities.

There’s not enough yet, because the populations —

It’s important to understand that we’re also seeing the impact of climate change on marine mammals in the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Things are going to get worse before they get better, unfortunately.

However, that means we have to take that into account in our analysis of the impact of human activity.

Does this mean there should be less tourism, a lower speed limit for commercial vehicles and less tourism activity overall? All activities permitted within these areas must prioritize conservation. I think it’s great news that we’re expanding the protected area significantly.

It was a little weird because we have this marine park where there’s an imaginary line right in the middle of the St. Lawrence, and species such as belugas are protected on one side of it but not on the other.

Both the Government of Quebec and the federal government were completely in agreement about basing protection more on ecosystems than on imaginary lines.

Mr. Campbell can elaborate on that.

We’re holding consultations with all the town representatives, all the Indigenous groups —

Fishers’ associations —

We’re going to consult all the industrial associations over the coming year. Then there’ll be feasibility studies.

Thank you, Minister.

I would also like to thank the Parks Canada senior officials.

Before we adjourn, I have a reminder for my colleagues.

[English]

Next week, there is a plan to hear from a panel in the first hour, then we will start the clause-by-clause consideration of this bill next Tuesday, if permission is granted.

Thank you.

(The committee adjourned.)