Evidence of meeting #103 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was study.
A recording is available from Parliament.
4 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
We are continuing our study of the motion moved by Ms. Collins.
Ms. Collins, you have the floor.
4 p.m.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Today, I'm moving a motion that would call on the CEOs of the biggest oil companies in Canada to come to committee to talk about the fact that they are raking in record profits and that their emissions are going up and Canadians are being gouged at the pumps.
We need to hold these wealthy CEOs accountable. It is not fair that everyday Canadians are paying the price of the climate crisis. We've seen devastating wildfires, extreme flooding and the heat domes that killed hundreds of people in British Columbia, mainly low-income seniors, people living in low-income housing and people with disabilities.
People are paying the cost of the climate crisis, but these companies are profiting off of it. We need to hold these companies accountable, and asking nicely is not working. Companies, including the ones that are part of the Pathways Alliance, have made commitments but then failed or pulled back on those commitments publicly.
Rich Kruger, who is named in the motion, recently said that he isn't going to prioritize reducing emissions. He's prioritizing making more profit. This is at a time when Suncor is already making record-breaking profits.
While Canadians are struggling to make ends meet, these companies are acting in ways that are completely unfair. The government has a responsibility to hold them accountable and to have the backs of Canadians rather than wealthy CEOs.
I'm going to put it to the committee. I know there are a number of friendly amendments, which I welcome. I hope that everyone can support bringing these CEOs to committee to answer questions.
4 p.m.
Conservative
Branden Leslie Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
If we have time at the end of the debate on this motion, I just want to indicate that I have another motion to move.
4:05 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
At point (b), which begins with “Canadians across the country are facing a cost-of-living crisis”, I propose replacing the words “forcing many families to choose between putting food on the table and keeping their house warm” with the words “and are having difficulty paying for their basic needs”.
I think Canadians will decide to go to one grocery store rather than another. They make their own choices. That includes the idea that they're having trouble paying for basic needs.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
So you want to strike out everything after the comma and remove the rest of the sentence.
Is that correct?
4:05 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Yes, I want to remove “forcing many families to choose between putting food on the table and keeping their house warm”.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
4:05 p.m.
Bloc
4:05 p.m.
Bloc
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
So you sent it in writing. Perfect.
Ms. Collins, you have the floor.
4:05 p.m.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
This change captures the same meaning to me and is just different wording. I'm hoping that we could pass this by unanimous consent.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Is there unanimous consent to adopt Ms. Pauzé's friendly amendment to Ms. Collins' motion?
I see that everyone is in agreement.
Mr. van Koeverden.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
I have a simple addition as an amendment. It's to add Shell Canada president Susannah Pierce.
It would read, “Susannah Pierce, Shell Canada president and country chair and vice president of emerging energy solutions” in the list of people who will—
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
She would be added to the list. Typically they're done alphabetically.
4:05 p.m.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
It would read, “Susannah Pierce, Shell Canada president and country chair and vice president of emerging energy solutions”.
4:05 p.m.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
Again, I think this is in the spirit of the motion, and I welcome this amendment. I'm hoping we can pass it by unanimous consent.