When the government added greenhouse gases to that schedule of the Act last November, it clearly intended to specifically regulate the large emitters of greenhouse gases, which are responsible for almost 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions produced here in Canada.
Based on all the scientific evidence, we know that drastic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions are urgently needed. Between now and 2050, greenhouse gas emissions in Canada must be reduced by 80% For that to happen, we must immediately start addressing the most significant sources. Therefore, regulations targeting large emitters of greenhouse gases are urgently needed.
I think it's unfortunate that the timeline for greenhouse gas regulations, as established by the previous government under CEPA, has been abandoned by the new government.
As for possibly using CEPA to pass other kinds of regulations -- you talked about building codes, for instance -- if some provinces delay making improvements to codes for several years, at one point, the government will be able to say that it has waited long enough and that the time has come to take action. However, by adding substances, the previous government's intent was clearly not to deal with building codes.