Environment committee  I'm not sure I understand the question. I have to say that I don't work with agencies per se. In terms of governance, I was involved in the St. Lawrence action plan. The St. Lawrence action plan was instrumental in making collaborative initiatives with the provincial government.

Environment committee  I could reply in writing. Maybe that would be better. However, it would be to use active organizations on the ground within each province that we know are the champions. In Quebec, you have Regroupement des organismes de bassins versants du Québec, and you have the ZIP committees.

Environment committee  Certainly.

Environment committee  Yes, thank you. If I may, on the topic of usage conflicts, I would like to give the example of the St. Lawrence action plan in Quebec. Since its inception, this mechanism has helped mitigate water usage conflicts in the St. Lawrence River, as well as at the mouth of its tributaries, whether by users of the waterways or by the surrounding communities involved.

Environment committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to make a comment. I agree with what has been said about watershed management or administrative and political boundaries, if I may put it that way. However, in terms of the social involvement of the communities that live within these watersheds, it is important that the Canadians who will be part of these new geographic boundaries feel empowered or that they are directly involved.

Environment committee  Just quickly, does it cover the Arctic region?

Environment committee  Other than that, that's the only one that comes to mind quickly.

Environment committee  The priority I have in mind is to appoint champions within the departments concerned, specifically to encourage partnerships with the various authorities at the local level, in the provinces, across Canada. This is one of the key elements that I consider to be the foundation, if I may say so.

Environment committee  Among the challenges it will have to overcome, in my opinion, is the need for its leaders to be people who, rather than protecting their exclusive preserve, are transparent about the government’s vision for the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The agency really needs to put in place people who believe in this mission, so as to avoid pitfalls and internal slowdowns in the structure.

Environment committee  First, I’d like to clarify that I do not have an interest in the St. Lawrence Action Plan. I haven’t been involved for years, but I recognize the relevance of this initiative because it pays off in the long term. One of the major aspects of the St. Lawrence Action Plan at present is the renewal of the St.

Environment committee  Good morning, Mr. Chair and members of the committee. Thank you for inviting me to appear before you today. When we talk about water management on a watershed scale, we often think of lakes. In my case, the experience I’ve had is mainly linked to the St. Lawrence River as a whole and the Lake Ontario system.