Thank you, dear colleague.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I also wish to thank the witnesses for being here with us this afternoon.
According to Bill C-481, which I sponsored, the Act to amend the Federal Sustainable Development Act (duty to examine), bills must be examined by the Minister of Justice in order to verify whether they are compatible with the Federal Sustainable Development Act. If they are not compatible, the minister informs the House of Commons as promptly as possible. My bill extends the scope of the spirit of the Federal Sustainable Development Act so that it applies to all bills.
However, last June 4, you said that you would not support Bill C-481 because you felt it added a redundant level of oversight. You stated essentially that the Federal Sustainable Development Act and the Sustainable Development Office already ensure that our departments and legislation respect the parameters of sustainable development.
Can you explain to us how the Federal Sustainable Development Act sees to it that the House of Commons ensures that all bills are in compliance with the principles of sustainable development?