Evidence of meeting #12 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was federal.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
When we had National Chief Shawn Atleo from the Assembly of First Nations here, he was advocating that all first nations lands should be exempt from SARA, and that they would implement their own critical habitat and endangered species bylaws and legislation on their own lands.
I'm looking for some feedback on how people feel about that. Does anybody want to tackle that?
Senior Officer, Species Conservation, World Wildlife Fund (Canada)
There are obviously commitments, conventions, that Canada has signed internationally to do this, so somebody has to be on the hook. Especially in the north and north of 60, where I'm more familiar with the situation, there are very complex and good processes in place to make smart, wise decisions affecting values like species, but it's pretty clear from the assessments in the COSEWIC ledger that things are not working, so somebody has to be on the hook.
For your committee, I can't say what I think is best, but the buck has to stop somewhere. What biodiversity monitoring is telling us has to be rectified and addressed by somebody.
Conservative
Staff Scientist, Ecojustice Canada
I think it's important to remember that a disproportionate burden has fallen onto some first nations land because of lack of protection of these same species on provincial land outside first nations land. I realize that provincial land is also first nations land in many ways, but I think proper implementation of the safety net, if necessary, and ideally of adequate provincial protections on the part of provinces dealing with these species is going to take some of that disproportionate burden off first nations land and create a situation in which SARA may be more workable.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
Thank you.
I think we're just about out of time. Plus, my cold is starting to flare up.
Go ahead, Monsieur Gaudet.
Bloc
Roger Gaudet Bloc Montcalm, QC
I have one quick question, Mr. Chair.
Earlier, Mr. Woodworth mentioned the sum of $225 million. How much money is left in this program that was launched in 2006? I don't need an answer this afternoon, but perhaps that information could be forwarded to the clerk who could then pass it along to us.
Thank you.
Liberal
David McGuinty Liberal Ottawa South, ON
On that point, Mr. Chair, I'd like to get a summary of that program and its expansion. I think that program began some 10 years ago. I think Mr. Woodworth neglected to mention that it was under Prime Minister Paul Martin. It would be important to look at the overall investment, not just the selective 52-month investment. Going back since the program began would be helpful.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative James Bezan
We'll get that information.
With that, I'm going to thank our witnesses again for their input and the great debate that we had today. We'll continue to formulate our discussions.
I want to remind Ms. Plotkin and all the NGOs that if you're going to get together with the industry and bring forward a common set of recommendations, you should please have them in by May 6.
With that, I will take a motion to adjourn, and then you guys can have your talk.
Conservative
