Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to thank the witnesses for appearing before the Committee today.
This morning, I'm going to play the devil's advocate. I have discovered that every year, huge amounts of road salt are used on Canadian roads. I was very surprised to learn that. I was also surprised to discover that highway salt is only effective as long as it stays on the road. Because of leaching and drainage directly into highway ditches, it is having a significant impact on the environment, wild life and fish habitat.
However, I was reading some material this morning that said that the provinces took quick action in response to the impact of road salt on the environment. A code of practice on environmental management of road salt is now in effect. In Quebec, we have a six-point plan that includes acquiring weather analysis tools, improved spreading techniques and environmental monitoring programs.
Can someone tell me -- probably the witness from Pollution Watch -- whether these management codes introduced by the provinces have made it possible to attain an appropriate balance? As far as I'm concerned, the fundamental issue is balance. The provinces are responsible for ensuring that public highways are safe. They also have to protect the environment.
So, have management codes improved the situation by achieving that essential balance and ensuring that road salt isn't added to the list? That is what we should be aiming for. I'd like to know whether there has been any analysis done in that regard.