I just have some initial comments on what we are now engaged in as a committee. Perhaps it's because the issue of the environment is at such a critical point right now with the Canadian public and there's pressure on all members of this committee to defend their party's interest or their citizens' interests. But it seems to ramp up quite quickly.
I think the politics of the personal attack are not warranted in today's discussion. I don't think that helps any of us in establishing what's going on here, and I'd urge members to resist the temptation. I think it distracts us from our responsibility, which is to deal with the actual issue at hand, and it will ensure that there is discord again at this committee. And since we've had a previous history of working quite well together on a number of difficult issues, I would again ask members to resist that temptation.
My main concern today with Mr. McGuinty's motion and the process that was used here is that I feel, because the issue of the G-8 and various government plans to deal with climate change is of such a contentious nature and of such a timely nature, as the House winds down before summer.... I do have concerns about the process used. I've expressed those to you, Chair, and I want committee members to know that you and I have had that discussion.
I think in the context of previous actions by the government whip in terms of committee chairs and the attempt to bend committees in a certain direction, which is not an accusation I'm making of you, Chair.... This is the context in which we are operating. And I think it's important.
This committee is charged with one of the most fundamental responsibilities in this Parliament: dealing with Canada's position on the environment and ensuring that it's the best position possible. We have to take that seriously and find a way beyond the partisanship to actually establish a good process so that there's constant confidence in the process we're using. I think confidence has been shaken. I think we need to re-establish ourselves with credibility as a committee that actually performs its tasks well and gets the job done with the least amount of partisan bickering possible.
I'll leave my comments at that for now.