Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
It is my pleasure to speak to Liberal amendment L-21.1. This is probably the most complete motion that we've had to study to date in the context of Bill C-30, concerning the fight against climate change.
We like various elements in this amendment moved by the Liberals, including the importance of establishing short-, medium- and long-term targets. We realize in reading section 103.02 that these short-, medium- and long-term targets appear there. So we think and have always thought it important that targets of this kind be included in any plan for the fight against climate change.
We also see a clear and definite tendency to opt for a sectoral approach. Virtually all the parties, except the Bloc québécois, want to apply this approach, which, in this case, concerns a sectoral carbon budget. We therefore take note of this clear wish of the other political parties.
In addition, we see that there is an obligation under the act to submit a climate change plan. To date, there has been no regulatory or legislative obligation in this regard. Starting with section 103.03, we are creating an obligation to file a climate change plan and certain measures that we previously favoured, that is the mechanism based on market conditions, emissions trading, for example.
Further provision is made that the large industrial emitters will be subject to regulation, which we think is entirely normal, in view of the fact that these major emitters produce nearly 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve our climate change targets, among other things, what is indicated in section 103.02, we will inevitably have to impose those regulations.
I move that we take note of the fact that the Liberals want to adopt a sectoral approach, impose regulations on major industrial emitters and establish a carbon market as well as short-, medium- and long-term targets. However, we are moving a friendly amendment, with amendment BQ-6.1, “GREENHOUSE GASES, Territorial Approach,” which would create a new provision that would be inserted between parts 5.1 and 5.2, just after “ACTION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE”. This new part would bear number 5.1.1, would be entitled “GREENHOUSE GASES, Territorial Approach” and would create section 103.051, as a result of which:
[...] on the recommendation of the Ministers, make an order declaring that the provisions of an Act or a regulation that relate to greenhouse gases do not apply in an area under the jurisdiction of a government, where the Green Investment Bank of Canada determines by notice in writing, on request from a province, that there are in force by or under the laws applicable to the jurisdiction of the government
A provincial government could very well opt out of the act or any regulations concerning greenhouse gases. However, the government in question would clearly have an obligation to introduce provisions designed to combat greenhouse gas emissions having an effect equivalent to the reductions required by the national carbon budget, as described in the three short-, medium- and long-term targets provided for in section 103.02.
Furthermore, before issuing the notice provided for in subsection (1), the Green Investment Bank of Canada must publish it in the Gazette of Canada within 60 days. There may be observations or notices. Following those observations or notices, the new notice is published in the Canada Gazette.
However, if some commitments or provisions made under the notice are not met, the notice could be suspended.