Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States Committee on March 2nd, 2021

[Michael Grant]

I'm afraid I don't have the specific answer. All I know is that I believe the arrangements are in place.

Steve—

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Would you be able to get back to the committee with that in writing so that I can go to my next question? Thank you so much.

When it comes to Line 5, who is advising the Government of Canada from a legal vantage point? If this committee wants a witness to advise us as to the Government of Canada's legal position—not Enbridge's, but the Government of Canada's—who would be the best witness for that? Who is advising us?

[Michael Grant]

There is a collective effort amongst Global Affairs, Natural Resources Canada, Justice and others. I think if the request was made, the right officials would be found.

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Thank you so much.

In regard to our position with respect to common cause, I understand that what you're saying is that because Pennsylvania and Ohio are also supplied by Line 5, we're engaging with the executive in those states to try to help us convince the executive in Michigan that their decision with respect to Line 5 should be reviewed and hopefully reversed. Are we engaging with the Michigan legislature? Are we engaging with the Republican majorities in both chambers of the Michigan legislature that have not agreed with the governor's decision?

[Michael Grant]

I can say that we're engaging with all of the above—legislators, executives, key industry representatives and representatives of labour. It's quite comprehensive.

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Labour is a huge help here from both sides of the border, absolutely. Just to come back, though, is it Canada's position that the Michigan legislature has the power to override the executive decision in Michigan, or do we take no position on that?

[Michael Grant]

That may be a good question when you bring in the legal experts. We see this very much as an issue between Canada and the United States. Federal law does take precedence over state law in the U.S.

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

That's a good reason to get the legal briefing.

I have a final question, Mr. Chair. Again, I want to thank Mr. Strahl for proposing that we get to ask questions.

With respect to this committee's role, we are legislators, so we have the right to engage with other legislators and not just with the executive branch, where I understand the federal government may indeed be limited. Would you recommend that this committee seek to develop some relationship with and engage with counterparts in the legislature in the state of Michigan in order to advance directly to them our position on Line 5? Is that something the Government of Canada would support?

[Michael Grant]

I would say that this is very much a team Canada issue between the federal government and provincial governments. I think the more voices that are heard on this issue, the better.

[Anthony Housefather, Liberal, Mount Royal, QC]

Thank you so much.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Raj Saini]

Thank you very much, Mr. Housefather.

I want to thank the witnesses for starting off this study in a very positive and informative way. We really appreciate the time, and especially your accommodating our request to stay longer. We look forward to maybe inviting you back again for further assistance on maybe another study.

Thank you very much.

[Michael Grant]

Thank you.

[Steve Verheul]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, Raj Saini]

We will now suspend the meeting and switch to the in camera portion.

[Proceedings continue in camera]