Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
I thank the four representatives of the department for giving us what has turned out to be a rather comprehensive presentation. As you're probably aware, we normally have about seven minutes for presentations and then we go into questions and answers. But your presentation is appreciated, nonetheless.
I want to focus on two things that I wondered about. Mr. Rysanek, and maybe his colleagues, can help us out on this.
Let me start with the general point, if I might. There are two issues that have been raised amongst us, both in debate and individually. One, of course, is the polluter pays principle and how the legislation increases the liability amounts to both reflect the international norm but also the increase in the value of the damage to the environment in the event of a problem. This is the first point.
I'm wondering whether you would address, if you can, whether the limit that's been placed now reflects the reality of the economic value, in dollar amounts, of potential spills. The one example that has come forward is the Exxon Valdez, which far exceeded the amounts the company and community thought was going to be required for cleanup.
Secondly, the value of the dollars then compared to now far exceeds the amount you've put in the legislation as a limitation. Is there a valid reason this committee should accept the limit and not amend the amount to a more significant limit?