Environment Committee on April 26th, 2012
Evidence of meeting #31 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was conservation.
A recording is available from Parliament.
On the agenda
MPs speaking
Also speaking
- Peter Kendall Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Earth Rangers
- Len Ugarenko President, Wildlife Habitat Canada
- Sophie Gallais Project Manager, Protected Areas, Nature Québec
- Mark Northwood President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Earth Rangers
5 p.m.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Calgary Centre-North, AB
Again, because we're looking at provincial partnerships, could you succinctly describe a few of the key challenges that you think might be unique to Quebec with regard to the development of a national conservation plan?
5 p.m.
Project Manager, Protected Areas, Nature Québec
In work done in partnership, there are problems at various levels, hence, I believe, the importance of cooperation. Aboriginal communities and a provincial government may not see eye to eye. The federal government is often the preferred liaison for the aboriginal communities. The industrial and environmental sectors do not always do the best job of talking to each other. Cooperation plays a fundamentally important role. One of the challenges of the national conservation plan will be to bring these various stakeholders together, but I believe it is important for them all to have a say, if we want to ensure that the concerns of all Canadians are reflected.
5 p.m.
Conservative
5 p.m.
Conservative
5 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette Drummond, QC
Mr. Chair, according to our schedule, we were to finish at 5 p.m. However, I understand that we are going to continue until 5:30. Would any members have liked to give notices of motion?
5 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Mark Warawa
This is to speak to the point of order. We have scheduled some time for some business. Ms. Duncan was late getting here, so I've used my discretion to allow time. So I'm going to allow Ms. Rempel to continue. She has another minute and a half, then we will be suspending the meeting and going in camera.
5 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette Drummond, QC
I have no objection, but it seems to me that, according to the Standing Orders, we would have to have everyone's consent to extend the meeting, wouldn't we?
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Mark Warawa
Speaking to that point of order, at 5:30 we would need to have consent to extend the meeting. However, it is at the discretion of the chair as to when to go into the in camera meeting, so I'm using that discretion.
5:05 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette Drummond, QC
My honourable colleague, Kirsty Duncan, who arrived late, would perhaps like to ask some questions as well. If she wanted to ask questions, and since we deviated from the schedule for Ms. Rempel, I believe it would be fair for us to do the same for Ms. Duncan. If we require unanimous consent, I am prepared to give it for that purpose.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Mark Warawa
Again, I'm using my discretion because of the recent arrival of Ms. Duncan. I'm going to be ending the meeting in a minute and a half. That's my ruling.
We have a point of order from Ms. Duncan.
April 26th, 2012 / 5:05 p.m.
Liberal
Kirsty Duncan Etobicoke North, ON
Mr. Chair, I didn't think it was standard practice to announce if someone is late. We respect that. We all have very busy schedules. I was speaking in the House. I don't think we're usually punished for being late. I ran all the way from the House, where I was speaking on OAS. I got here at 4:55, and we were supposed to go in camera at 5 o'clock for the motions. I'd just like the committee to take note of this, please.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Mark Warawa
Note taken.
Is there any further discussion on that?
Okay, then proceed, Ms. Rempel.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Calgary Centre-North, AB
Mr. Kendall, your organization focuses on connecting youth with conservation. We have talked about that aspect with a couple of other groups. We had an aboriginal organization here earlier. They said that one of the challenges they faced in contributing to conservation was the connection with aboriginal youth. Does your organization work with aboriginal youth at all? Are you aware of any other groups that it might be useful for us to consult with?
5:05 p.m.
Executive Director and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Earth Rangers
We have brought our existing program to first nations communities. I wouldn't say that we work specifically with aboriginal youth. I am not aware of any organizations that focus on that.
5:05 p.m.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Calgary Centre-North, AB
Mr. Ugarenko, you talked a little bit about an increase in the price of the stamp as a way to promote or fund conservation activities. Are there any other financial, incentive-based measures that you think we should consider in developing a national conservation plan?