Environment Committee on Nov. 29th, 2007

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

We tabled our plan in April of this year, the framework. We're now putting the meat on the bone. We're now putting the specifics to the framework. We're working very hard with industry. We're working very hard with environmental groups and with health groups on this issue. It is of a scale and complexity that is unprecedented, as these groups have said themselves.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Do you have any knowledge or understanding of many greenhouse gas tonnes of emission reductions you've enjoyed under the two years of Conservative government? How much have you reduced?

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Those numbers aren't available. You know that.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

What studies have you actually conducted to understand the economic impacts of dangerous climate change for the Canadian economy?

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

I accept the report tabled by Nick Stern.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

That's for the global economy. I'm speaking of our own economy.

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

We have done economic models.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Have you made that public?

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

I'd have to check. I'll check.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Will you commit to making that public?

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

I'll look into it for you.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

That's not actually an answer.

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

That's not the answer you want, but it is a reply.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

You can say no, Minister, or you can say yes, but “I'll check” doesn't actually give us any certainty.

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

It's not the answer you're looking for—

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

I know accountability is a big thing for you. If you've used Canadian tax dollars in order to do these economic assessments, which I think are very important for all Canadians to understand as to what the effects might be, I don't understand why you wouldn't table such a document.

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

I'm happy to look into it and get back to you.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

I'm not happy with your answer, and I doubt that Canadians will be either.

With Bali, as the Canadian delegation going into these negotiations, do you have any concept of what an actual global limit for dangerous climate change might look like? The Europeans, the English, and others have used a two-degree model. Others use parts per million as an upward limit beyond which climate change becomes even significantly more dangerous and irreversible. Does Canada operate under any guideline as to what the ultimate goal is?

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

Two percent is certainly one that has been used by a substantial number of countries and environmental groups. I think we're focusing on what tangible actions we can take to stabilize and then reduce, in absolute terms, greenhouse gases in this country.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

How much does your department spend on advertising?

[John Baird, Conservative, Ottawa West—Nepean, ON]

I'd be happy to look into that and respond.

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Can either of your officials perhaps enlighten us?

[Ian Shugart, Associate Deputy Minister, Department of the Environment]

Not off the top of my head, Mr. Chair, but we will be here next week to discuss supplementary estimates. We could provide—

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

Does $6 million sound appropriate?

[Ian Shugart]

I would want to check that.