Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have read your report, and I am trying to make a projection for the future. I must admit that I am at a loss. Our neighbours to the south are poised to make important decisions and will be putting a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.
On this side of the border, you have tabled your report and are telling us that, even though it contains a certain number of options, including a domestic emissions credit trading system, the government anticipates that businesses will use the technology fund because it will cost them less.
I am trying to consider the options that are still available, including the domestic emissions credit trading system. I wonder how you will be able to conduct your audit. At a time when the U.S. is setting a cap on emissions and on the eve of the implementation of an emissions credit trading system in North America, the Canadian government seems to be promoting a technology fund instead.
I wonder how you will be able to conduct your audit despite the existing act. We run the risk of having an accountability problem. It is as if we had a plan that was practically obsolete. Rather than participate in the North American credit trading system, businesses seeking to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions will choose to invest in the technology fund, a $15 fund, which may very well weaken the North American greenhouse gas emission trading system.
I am trying to understand how you will be able to evaluate and audit the situation in the future, given the changes that are underway in North America. The current plan is practically obsolete in that more progress is being made south of us.
Looking ahead, how do you see your audit of compliance with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions?