Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
This is my first time to this committee. I'm substituting for my colleague, John Godfrey, who we all know is a champion on environmental issues.
Welcome to the committee, Mr. Thompson. I quote you a lot in my communications. It's nice to put a face to a name.
Mr. Godfrey has many issues relating to the report you tabled, but he has two specific concerns, which hopefully you can shine some light on. I would like to put them both on the table. If you don't have enough time to answer, and I hope you do, then maybe you can respond in writing.
The first question relates to protecting wildlife and the habitat issue, which was raised earlier by another colleague on this committee. You talk about the questions we should put to the deputy minister. Why are you not meeting the deadline? Why are you omitting the obligation? How are they going to fulfill their obligations in the future? Since there are no consequences when a department fails to meet legislative deadlines, obligations, and requirements, would you think that having some consequences in legislation would be helpful in advancing the cause?
The second question relates to the government's progress on strategic environmental assessment and guidance for greening operations. You say in your report that the government is unsatisfactory. His concern is whether a national sustainable development strategy could help in ensuring that guidance is clear for the application of the SEA and the greening of the government operations. Would a national strategy be helpful in advancing this cause?
These are the two questions he would like answered.