Herb Dhaliwal

[Pipelines, November 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the matter is already regulated under the National Energy Board which operates under the authority of the National Energy Board Act. It is an independent federal regulatory agency responsible for the regulation of interprovincial and international pipelines.

More specifically, the NEB is responsible for all aspects of the construction and operation of federally regulated pipelines. Abandonment of any pipelines regulated by the NEB requires prior approval pursuant to subsection 74.1 of the act and is subject to the provisions of the Environmental Assessment Act.

However, I will take the matter into consideration. This issue has been raised by the hon. member--

[Softwood Lumber, November 21st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, we delivered a package on a variety of issues. One is the diversified markets. In addition to that, we announced $240 million in terms of providing community adjustment as well as retraining and as well as making sure that we have more employment opportunities. This adds up to more than $340 million.

We have also said that if more needs to be done if we do not get an agreement we will do more for the industry and we are committed to that.

[Natural Resources, November 5th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I am aware of this particular situation. My officials have met with the landowners. There is a way for them to deal with this if they are not able to get an agreement. It is through the National Energy Board Act, subsection 87(3), where there is a legal recourse for these farmers if they feel they are not getting a fair agreement with the pipeline company. I understand they are pursuing that legal avenue.

[Nuclear Industry, November 5th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, after September 11, at all our nuclear plants security was enhanced to ensure that we have armed guards. In some cases they are provided by the local police and in others they are provided by the security at the plants. This was a measure to respond immediately to the security enhancement. We are looking at some long term measures so that we have consistency across many, but we are responding fully under the international guidelines for protection of all our nuclear plants.

[Softwood Lumber Industry, November 5th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, it is in the best interests of both Canada and the U.S. to resolve this issue.

We have taken a very strong stand. We have said we are going to fight it at the WTO and at NAFTA. We will fight it all the way because we are right.

At the same time, we have said if we need to do more, and that includes loan guarantees, if we do not get an agreement, we will make sure we protect our industries and we will do more. However, it is in our best interests to make sure that we resolve the issue because that will help us in the long term to protect our markets.

[Softwood Lumber Industry, November 5th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we have announced a plan. The hon. member knows that we announced $240 million and prior to that, we announced $100 million. That is $340 million to help forestry workers and to help make sure that we diversify and look for new markets for the forestry sector.

We have also said, by the way, that if more needs to be done, if we do not get an agreement within the next four to five months, the government will do more to help forestry workers.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 31st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I hope the hon. member will go and read the draft plan that we have put forward. We are consulting with the provinces, with Canadians and with industry to get their input so that we do have a plan that is workable, that is balanced and that does not create an unfair or unreasonable burden on any one part of the country or any one sector.

The Alliance Party will vote against every environmental initiative in the House. It is obvious that it will not support anything that is to improve the environment in this country.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 31st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I have said right from day one that it is important to do our due diligence and that is what we have been doing. It is important to consult with Canadians and that is what we have been doing.

The hon. member asked for costs. We clearly have stated in the draft plan, for example in the oil sands, what the cost is per barrel for the oil producers. It ranges for synthetic and bitumen from 10¢ to 12¢ a barrel. We have clearly outlined to Canadians what the cost is for industry and we will continue doing work.

My position has not changed. It is exactly the same as it was when I became minister in January of this year.

[The Environment, October 31st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the member for Lambton--Kent--Middlesex for her good work in terms of ethanol and the rural caucus. They have been moving this agenda forward. That is why the Government of Canada has exempted the excise tax up to 10¢ for ethanol. We have invested in loan guarantees. We are investing in research and development. Part of our climate change plan is to ensure that more ethanol is used in fuel so we can protect the environment and do our job on climate change.

[Kyoto Protocol, October 30th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, in fact first ministers said to their ministers of energy and ministers of the environment to get together and work on this plan. That is exactly what they are doing.

Canadians do not want to see us fighting. They want us to come together. That is what the consultations are all about. We have a plan out there. The provincial and territorial ministers have put some statements forward. Our officials are getting together to see how they can ensure they incorporate the ideas of the provinces into a plan to ensure that Canada can play its role in dealing with climate change as Canadians want.