Mr. Chair, I am moving amendment BQ-6, which states the following:
That Bill C-469, in clause 16, be amended by deleting lines 5 to 9 on page 11.
I would first like to remind you of the subject covered by this clause, that is, the fact that the federal government being given the power to authorize an activity that may result in significant environmental harm does not constitute a defence.
Many groups, stakeholders and witnesses have told us that Bill C-469 is lacking safeguards and pointedly ignores existing laws and regulations. Under this amendment, the government will not be able to authorize an activity, regardless of what it is, that may result in environmental harm. This would limit the government's decision-making power and its activities.
In addition, there are some issue with the interpretation of the bill. I want to point out that the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act does exist. In defining environmental effects, the act's provisions use the wording “significant adverse environmental effects,” while Bill C-469 states the following:“significant environmental harm” includes, but is not limited to, harm whose effects on the environment are long lasting, difficult or irreversible, widespread, cumulative, or serious.
The fundamental issue is deciding which legislation will apply when this clause is adopted. We are opposed to subclause 16(4) and we propose its deletion.