Environment Committee on June 12th, 2007

[Francis Scarpaleggia, Liberal, Lac-Saint-Louis, QC]

There is phosphorus in laundry detergents. In fact, the regulation regarding phosphorus in detergents allows there to be small concentrations of phosphorus. In fact, the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association says that in laundry detergents phosphorus is used to condition the water, to remove hard water ions such as calcium, etc. It is an issue.

I think the issue of having another hearing is somewhat separate from this motion. We could have a hearing to find out about substitutes. We could have a hearing to find out about how we could create a framework, what the steps would be to create a framework for managing fertilizers better. I think there are two separate issues.

As I say, I have no problem getting this motion as amended to the House for a broader debate. I think it would be good for the government to take notice that we are interested in this issue as a committee.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

Mr. Vellacott, back to you now in terms of your motion.

[Maurice Vellacott, Conservative, Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK]

That was my suggestion. I don't think the spirit of this place and the spirit of this committee is actually to back away from doing anything on this. I think it's a matter of listening to the witnesses.

I hear Mr. Scarpaleggia say that he wants us to proceed with this motion in this form and then after the fact we'll look at witnesses. But what if your witnesses have some fairly serious stuff in a more extensive process here and they're giving testimony to the effect that there are big concerns? We'll need to put the thing on hold, because these other things or alternatives are worse than the phosphorus or phosphate. This could be a possibility.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

Mr. McGuinty.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Through you, Mr. Chair, I want to ask Mr. Vellacott if he actually read the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association's brief?

[Maurice Vellacott, Conservative, Saskatoon—Wanuskewin, SK]

The one from Shannon Coombs?

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

Yes, I believe that's the source of it.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

Did committee members read the three-page brief?

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

Again, I trust that all members have prepared for this meeting.

[David McGuinty, Liberal, Ottawa South, ON]

I only raise that because, if he had, then he would know that the preponderance of opinions and views that would oppose a ban on these products from laundry and dishwasher detergents has been very comprehensively addressed. It is a very rebuttal-type brief. It speaks directly to the testimony received here today and it actually rebuts some of the written testimony received from other witnesses. It's all there in black and white.

I've considered these views. I've read this brief twice now. Mr. Warawa just read from this brief. He read an operative paragraph from this brief citing a report from our government in 1995. It's there in black and white.

I think many of the views we would hear from the CCSPA are right here in a wonderfully written, condensed brief. I think that's very helpful for us as we consider this vote.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

Are there any other comments about the motion as amended? Mr. Scarpaleggia.

We'll reread it so everybody knows exactly what they're voting on.

[The Clerk]

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Standing Committee on the Environment and Sustainable Development recommend that the government amend the Phosphorus Concentration Regulations in order to phase out concentration of phosphorus in dishwasher detergents and laundry detergents and that the adoption of this motion be reported to the House at the earliest opportunity..

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

That sounds okay, Mr. Bigras?

(Motion agreed to)

Thank you. This meeting is adjourned.