Mr. Speaker, changing the term “navigable waters” to “navigation” does not change the spirit of this law. That said, Transport Canada will continue to deal with transportation and the people at Environment Canada will deal with the environment. We are only making clarifications that should have been made a long time ago. Matters that we believe should not be handled by Transport Canada will continue to be reviewed by Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and all other departments. Nothing has changed.
In the House of Commons on October 23rd, 2012. See this statement in context.