Evidence of meeting #32 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was cosia.
A recording is available from Parliament.
May 1st, 2012 / 5:15 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank the witnesses for being here today.
I would like to further explore Ms. LeBlanc's question about your funding. You mentioned that it is companies who invest in research and development. Do you receive subsidies from provincial or federal governments?
5:15 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
Thank you for that.
Innovation of productivity is of critical importance to Canada. I'm proud of the R and D that is done in our industry, as well as the lead-on investments in commercialization up to the billions of dollars.
With respect to your question—
5:15 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Ms. Fairburn, do you receive any subsidies or tax relief from provincial or federal governments?
5:15 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
The SR&ED program is used by numerous Canadian organizations. That is a program that we consider as well. On top of that, our industry spends millions of dollars, and up to billions, towards commercialization and innovation on our own accord.
5:15 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
What percentage of your budget comes from provincial or federal governments' investment?
5:15 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
In terms of the percentage of our R and D budget, it would be quite small.
5:20 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
Our industry spends millions and up to billions of dollars on innovation.
5:20 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
It's un petit amount with respect to any money from federal or provincial governments. Our industry itself spends extensive dollars on its own accord.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
For that matter, did you meet with government people over the last few months about the tar sands file?
5:20 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
I myself have not.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
I am not talking about you. Has anyone in your team met with government officials about the tar sands?
5:20 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
I would appreciate your elaborating a little further where your question is going.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Did Mr. Dan Wicklum meet with government officials since he started his job?
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
5:20 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
The conversations that have gone on are associated with the launch of COSIA.
5:20 p.m.
Chair, Shareholder Steering Committee, Canada's Oil Sands Innovation Alliance
All the public information that you have seen in the launch.... That is the extent of communication that I am aware of.
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Mark Warawa
Ms. Fairburn, one moment, please. We have a point of order.
Ms. Rempel.
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
Michelle Rempel Conservative Calgary Centre-North, AB
Mr. Chair, I raise a point of order similar to that I raised earlier today. We have a very specific scope that we agreed upon as a committee for this committee testimony today. I believe my colleagues are fully aware of that. I would remind them to direct their questions to the witness in a manner that is in alignment with the scope of the study today.
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
5:20 p.m.
Conservative
The Chair Conservative Mark Warawa
Okay.
I would agree. I would ask Mr. Choquette to make sure his questioning is in line. Whether or not Mr. Wicklum has been meeting is not focusing on the anticipated positive environmental outcomes.
Thank you.
5:20 p.m.
NDP
François Choquette NDP Drummond, QC
Did you know that Mr. Dan Wicklum must observe a code of ethics as a public servant?