An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood)
This bill is from the 44th Parliament, 1st session, which ended in January 2025.
Status
This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act to permit the Minister, in developing requirements for public works, to allow the use of wood or any other thing that achieves environmental benefits.
S-222 (2014)
An Act to amend the Canada Border Services Agency Act (Inspector General of the Canada Border Services Agency) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts
Votes
Sept. 27, 2023Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood)
Feb. 15, 2023Passed 2nd reading of Bill S-222, An Act to amend the Department of Public Works and Government Services Act (use of wood)
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill S-222 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote environmental benefits in federal construction projects by requiring the Minister of Public Works and Government Services to consider the environmental benefits of building materials, including wood and innovative concrete products, during the planning and procurement processes. The bill seeks to support the forestry sector and encourage the use of sustainable materials in construction, contributing to Canada's climate change goals and potentially creating jobs in rural communities. It builds upon previous legislative efforts and aims to modernize building practices while ensuring fairness and transparency in government procurement.
Conservative
Broad support for Bill S-222: The Conservatives generally support Bill S-222, recognizing the importance of expanding the use of Canada's natural resources, particularly forestry, and its potential to benefit the country and forestry-based industries. The bill offers an opportunity for the increased utilization of a renewable resource and the promotion of Canadian natural resources, including forest and wood products.
Sustainable forestry practices: The party emphasizes the importance of responsible and sustainable forest management, including reforestation, to ensure the long-term viability of the industry and its environmental benefits. They acknowledge the innovation and technology being developed in tree planting and reforestation practices and the importance of investing in these areas for a sustainable future.
Economic benefits emphasized: The Conservatives highlight the economic benefits of the forestry sector, including its contribution to the GDP, support for well-paying jobs, and revenue sharing with First Nations communities. They believe that supporting the forestry sector is crucial for the economy and for providing opportunities for First Nations and other communities that rely on it.
Climate change solutions: The Conservatives see the environmental components of the bill as a major benefit, emphasizing the role of sustainable forest management and wood products in reducing emissions. They promote innovative technologies and greener alternatives instead of taxes, and highlight the carbon storage capacity of wood products and the importance of harvesting trees to prevent forest fires and promote new growth.
Address trade issues: Members mention that the government needs to address the softwood lumber tax issue, which affects mills and puts them at a competitive disadvantage. They emphasize the need to stand up for Canada's natural resource sector internationally and to promote its positive contributions.
NDP
Supports environmental assessment: The NDP supports Bill S-222, which mandates the consideration of environmental benefits of building materials in federal infrastructure projects, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. It is seen as a move from policy to law.
Promotes wood product use: The NDP emphasizes the role of wood in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, referencing advances in tall wood construction and its potential to support Canada's forest sector amidst challenges like American tariffs and reduced fibre supply. They point to BC and Quebec examples of wood-first initiatives.
Supports Canadian industry: The NDP highlights the potential of the bill to create jobs and wealth in rural communities by increasing government procurement of mass timber products, supporting domestic markets and innovation in the forestry sector. This is especially important in light of softwood lumber disputes and the vulnerability of the mass timber industry.
Part of climate change solutions: The NDP views the bill as part of a broader effort to combat climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, encouraging innovation in sustainable building materials and promoting energy efficiency. They reference Texas embracing clean energy while suggesting the Conservatives exacerbate problems with an addiction to burning more fossil fuels.
Bloc
Support for bill S-222: The Bloc Québécois supports Bill S-222, which encourages the government to consider the benefits of wood in construction. While viewing the bill as a positive step, they believe it lacks ambition and could have been stronger in promoting wood construction.
Preference, not consideration: The Bloc would prefer the bill to give 'preference' to wood use rather than just 'considering' its advantages. They have previously introduced bills with stronger language to promote wood construction but those were not adopted by previous governments.
Oil versus forestry investments: The Bloc criticizes the federal government for prioritizing investments in the oil industry over the forestry sector, particularly in Quebec. They see a disparity in the financial support provided, with the oil industry receiving billions while the forestry industry receives comparatively little.
Quebec's leadership in wood construction: The Bloc emphasizes Quebec's leadership in wood construction, citing its policy of systematically incorporating wood into new buildings and amendments to the Quebec Construction Code allowing for taller wooden buildings. They suggest the federal government could learn from Quebec's example.
Liberal
Supports Bill S-222: The Liberal party supports Bill S-222, noting its potential to promote timber and wood in construction and help the federal government contribute to the industry's growth. They highlight the bill's previous iterations and the broad support it has garnered.
Promoting wood use benefits: The Liberal party emphasizes that increasing the use of timber is beneficial for the economy and the environment, highlighting its potential in constructing large buildings and the public's lack of awareness regarding these advancements.
Positive climate impact: The Liberal party emphasizes that increasing the use of timber products will have a positive impact on the climate, and could help remove more than half a million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year by 2030.
Economic opportunities: The Liberal party emphasizes the economic benefits of Bill S-222, particularly for the forestry industry, rural communities, and job creation, by increasing domestic markets for lumber and supporting Canada's leadership in the engineered wood sector.
The House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motion at third reading stage of Bill S-222 under Private Members' Business.
Links & Sharing
(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)
