Environment Committee on April 28th, 2008

[Bernard Bigras, Bloc, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

I will make it brief, Mr. Chairman.

Are all of the witnesses familiar with strategic environmental assessments? They probably all have some idea of what these entail. What does the Commissioner of the Environment have to say about this in his recent reports? The problem with Canada's sustainable development strategy is that federal departments are not required to carry out strategic environmental assessments.

In order to respect provincial jurisdictions and embrace a sustainable development strategy for Canada, would it not be preferable to require all federal institutions to comply with this directive that was issued over 25 years ago by the PMO and which is ignored when it comes to federal government policies, plans and programs? This requirement would ensure that federal areas of jurisdiction are respected, that a sustainable development strategy is in place. Furthermore, each time the government tables a plan, policy or program, inevitably, sustainable development concepts would be included...To my way of thinking, strategic environmental assessments are the most powerful tool we have to ensure a sustainable development strategy for Canada.

Does the solution not lie in making it a legislative requirement that federal institutions carry out strategic environmental assessments?

[Prof. Glen Toner]

I'll tell you that both in my own work and in the work I've done with the commission over these past ten years, one of the great frustrations has been the inability of the current model of SEA to work, to have any influence on decisions. Personally, I wouldn't be opposed to seeing it legislated. Whether it would have all those sorts of consequences you outline, I'm not sure. But yes, I think it would change quite fundamentally the nature of the decision-making around the cabinet table.

[Pierre Sadik]

Monsieur Bigras, I find it hard to imagine a sustainable development strategy that would not include a strategic environmental assessment under this legislation. That would be one of the tools for assessing projects, policies, and proposals in an SDS. It may be that it is one of the tools that is so prominent and so invaluable that it needs to be included in the act on a legislated basis. It's not inconceivable.

[Bernard Bigras, Bloc, Rosemont—La Petite-Patrie, QC]

Merci.

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

Thank you, Mr. Bigras.

Mr. Godfrey, do you want to close off with a one-minute question?

[John Godfrey, Liberal, Don Valley West, ON]

I guess this is my only question. If everybody agrees that we've had a problem with these SDS performance things, particularly at the federal level, and if everybody agrees that we need a more sustainable country, then who will take the lead and extend the hand of cooperation to provinces and municipalities, if not the federal government? It's a rhetorical question, I think. Are there any volunteers?

[The Chair, Conservative, Bob Mills]

The Pope was in town in March, I think. Anyway, I'm not sure you have an answer.

I would certainly like to thank our guests for being here and answering your questions. I think it's been a good round. Thank you very much.

The meeting is adjourned.