Thank you, Mr. Chair. I have a question for the member from Skeena—Bulkley Valley.
I've heard the science, and I have a science degree. Science is a very important aspect of all climate change, and I think of the environment generally, but is that the only premise he relies upon in making his argument? Canada is responsible for around 2%—and most people say a little less than 2%—of total GHG emissions. But most of the information we've received, including from the experts we received testimony from, suggested that to meet our Kyoto targets in the 2008-2012 commitment period, we would, in essence, have to shut down most of our industries.
Is he suggesting that we only rely on science to find the basis for these targets, or is he suggesting that we have a balanced approach, a balance with the environment, a balance with the economy, a balance with Canadian standards of living?
China, for instance, is responsible for somewhere in the neighbourhood of 15% of greenhouse gas emissions, and India is somewhere in the same area, but their increase in greenhouse gas emissions on a yearly basis is more than we will ever be able to cut out of our emissions. I'm not suggesting we have to make our decision on what China, India, or other developing countries do, but are we to use a balanced approach here?
I think we should have a general discussion in relation to this and on the targets themselves. Are we to use a balanced approach from what we heard in the testimony of many people?
We heard it could cost up to $80 billion to meet our Kyoto targets by 2012, which means in essence somewhere in the neighbourhood of $8,000 to $10,000 per household in Canada. Is that the intention of the member, that we meet the targets based on that and science only?
I just think we have to have a general discussion. This is a very important part of the legislation. I think it's important that we have short-term targets. This government has a mandate and will be coming forward with short-term targets in the near future. I understand the member's consideration and desire to get this out of the way, but in the past we had a Liberal government that didn't do anything for a long period of time, and now we're stuck, in essence, with a horrendous situation.
What I really want to know is, do we rely solely on science to find what we should reach? In my consideration of what you've said, we would then have to shut down everything. The lights should turn off in this place, the air conditioning should turn off, and we should not drive another motor vehicle or take another plane, train, or automobile anywhere in this country, if we are to meet our targets based on science.
So I would like to hear if there is a balanced mechanism in what he's suggesting.