Mr. Barker, you say—and others have told us the same thing—that the mapping is really just starting up and that an increase from three to five barrels of oil from the oil sands is expected over the next few years. Since mapping is just ramping up and there is some uncertainty about the additional pressure that will be put on the resource as a result of production, how can we be forward-looking and ensure that quality, the environment and health will be protected?
Since things are just ramping up and we know that there will be significant pressure, how can we guarantee the public that we will be able to ensure a healthy environment and water quality that respects various standards over the next 15 to 20 years? Is there not some danger here? Should the precautionary principle not, at the very least, push us into action at some point?
I think that scientists need to maintain a certain level of independence. In my opinion, one of the elements of governance for scientists has to be independence. Scientists need to be as independent as possible. I'm convinced that you are independent, you probably work with companies in the oil sector, and I don't doubt your independence.
As a scientist, should you not be taking into consideration the precautionary principle in making your recommendations?