Evidence of meeting #37 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 39th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was cepa.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
Maurice Vellacott Conservative Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK
Yes, because I have other questions I want to go to.
Director, Health and Environment, PollutionWatch
I'd just say that I think what Mr. Teeter is saying about an attitude change is already happening. With the new announcement, the departments have shown the commitment to look at the risk management while they're looking at the risk assessment. That will allow them to meet the kinds of timelines we have proposed.
Acting Director General, Systems and Priorities, Department of the Environment
That's exactly my point. Great.
Conservative
Maurice Vellacott Conservative Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK
I guess this is probably directed to Mr. Moffet and Mr. Clarkson.
I think I know part of the answer, but you can fill me in on the other parts. Is the regulatory process with respect to CEPA more onerous than some of the other federal acts? I understand there are a few more steps in the process that slow down the coming into force of a regulation. Is there a more onerous, difficult process, through CEPA in particular?
Acting Director General, Systems and Priorities, Department of the Environment
The process to develop a regulation under CEPA is no different from the process to develop any other regulation in the federal government.
Conservative
Acting Director General, Systems and Priorities, Department of the Environment
The checks and balances that CEPA establishes are more before a regulation is developed. Those have to do with the process to identify a substance as “toxic”. When passed, that establishes a threshold that allows the government to develop various instruments, including regulations. Once the government decides to develop a regulation, it follows the same process, with the same transparency hurdles, under CEPA, as is imposed on the development of any other regulation.
Conservative
Maurice Vellacott Conservative Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK
Let me put it this way then. Is the entire regulatory process the same average timeline as it would be with other departments? You either get 30 months--
Acting Director General, Systems and Priorities, Department of the Environment
I want to be clear. When you say “timelines”, there are statutory timelines. Those have to do with the requirements to do pre-publication, which is typically 60 days. Those are fairly standard within the federal government. I would not want you to walk away thinking that this is the time it actually takes to develop a regulation. We typically go well beyond that.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Bob Mills
Mr. Vellacott, I'm sorry, your time is up and we are being displaced.
I want to thank all our witnesses for being here.
Certainly Ms. Coombs and Dr. Khatter win the award for best attendance by witnesses.
Thank you very much.
The meeting is adjourned.