Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
On page 10 of Part 3 of the main estimates 2008-2009, we see “Departmental Planned Spending and Full-Time Equivalents”. Among other things, under the heading “Program Activity Descriptions”, we see “Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are reduced.” I see there is a drop from the estimates for 2007-2008, that is to say that the amount fell from $130 million to $103.8 million. It's declining. Planned expenditures for 2009-2010 are $102 million, and that amount remains the same for 2010-2011.
Since the government has submitted a toxic substances management plan, I'd like to know what explains this reduction provided for under the main estimates.
As you know, parliamentarians have amended the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. A management plan has been tabled. I find it hard to understand this quite significant reduction in expenditures, when the acts have been amended and the government has submitted a plan to us.
What is the explanation for this reduction? Does it mean that programs are being cut? What's going on?