Environment committee  The answer to that question is a little easier. It is simply because Health Canada and Environment Canada are extremely busy with meeting the legal requirements in the legislation. Health Canada has limited resources, and we're responding to the immediate requirements. When you

Environment committee  Thank you. That is a very good question, but unfortunately it has no simple answer. In our view, the major challenge is the issue of partnership — partnership among a number of sections in both departments. The challenge we face in measuring performance is that CEPA is a large

Environment committee  We believe it would allow all of us to answer transparently, what are the levels, and are they going up or are they going down? Absolutely.

Environment committee  If we speak specifically to what the act calls for, there is a requirement for a national pollutant release inventory that is funded and appropriately operated. There is no equivalent in the legislation for the health minister or the health department to carry out a similar progr

Environment committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very pleased to be here today with other members of the round table. I look forward to the discussion. First and foremost, Mr. Chair, if it pleases the committee, the last time I was before you, there were some questions about Health Canada's evalu

Environment committee  May I go back to your comment about the drink and ask if you are buying?

Environment committee  Let's go with some things that are on the public record. I think there have been numerous articles and views about the levels at which the department has been resourced. There is concern from both industry and NGOs that the pace at which we are able to do the work that is necessa

Environment committee  Just to round that out very quickly, section 75 of CEPA actually requires, on the existing substances side, that we look at decisions of other jurisdictions. So that's something we are obliged to do under the act, and will do regularly, in terms of their assessments. The other

Environment committee  No they are guidelines. It's a guideline. All the provinces use those guidelines and so do first nations communities. The same guidelines are issued for all populations in Canada.

Environment committee  That's not correct. There is the system to verify and analyze drinking water on each reserve. That's why we are now aware of the serious problems faced by aboriginals. There is an evaluation process for the implementation of guidelines.

Environment committee  There is an inspection process.

Environment committee  No because we feel that the system operates properly. The guidelines are based on science. Every jurisdiction has recommendations and is currently implementing them.

Environment committee  Can I add something regarding air? Is there time?

Environment committee  With respect to air, Health Canada contributes to those Canada-wide standards, so they are both environmental and health standards. Responding to your first question, I'd like to point out there is room for CEPA with respect to indoor environments. We spend 90% of our time in t

Environment committee  May I?