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?