I'll give you my question too, Madam Minister.
On December 16, 2013, just before the House of Commons took a long break from work, the National Energy Board and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans signed a memorandum of understanding that will make the board responsible for evaluating the potential impact of pipeline projects on aquatic species at risk.
That is exactly the kind of decision that can only remove credibility from the impending consultation of the National Energy Board on the energy east pipeline, which includes the construction of an oil port on the St. Lawrence River.
Madam Minister, could you explain to us the justification for such a counterproductive decision? Could you also name a single pipeline project in the past 20 years that was prevented by a study that was needlessly prolonged by Department of Fisheries and Oceans experts? I am asking you to name a single scenario where the presence of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans prevented a pipeline project from moving forward.
Thank you.