Thank you Mr. Chairman.
Everyone agrees that the role of the Commissioner of the Environment is limited to conducting environmental audits. That begs the following question: should we expand the powers of the Commissioner of the Environment? Should the position be more independent of the Auditor General of Canada?
Two models have been presented to us. In the case of New Zealand, the Commissioner of the Environment performs not only the functions of an auditor, but also those of an advocate, guardian and adviser. It's clear what expanding the functions and powers of commissioners, be it the commissioner of official languages or the privacy commissioner, has accomplished to date.
Ms. Adam stated in no uncertain terms that strengthening the role of the Commissioner of Official Languages had enhanced language rights in Canada. Therefore, we need to ask ourselves whether we want the role of the Commissioner of the Environment to be limited to a simple audit function, or whether we want the position to be on par with that of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
Since environmental protection is an important consideration in Quebec and Canadian societies, the Commissioner of the Environment must be assigned the role of advocate and guardian. This committee and parliamentarians have a duty to take a stand on this issue. Ms. Adam clearly said that it was up to parliamentarians to decide.
If we believe that environmental protection is an important societal value, then we must act accordingly and give added powers to the Commissioner of the Environment. For that reason, I will vote in favour of the motion before the committee.