Environment Committee on June 12th, 2014

[Raymond Louie]

There are old numbers in terms of the overall infrastructure deficit: $123 billion is the number dating back to 2007. We did not update those numbers; we focused on the efficiencies of having upgrades to our infrastructures today rather than waiting until the end-of-cycle costs that are incurred. Those are 10 times more expensive than upgrades earlier on in the process.

All of this is to say that we are at the edge of infrastructure that is aging. Most of our infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s. Municipalities own about 60% of the infrastructure in Canada. We are tasked with replacing and upgrading the infrastructure that is now at or near the end of life cycle. If we don't make near-term investments today, the costs to do replacement will be significantly higher than to maintain it. It's not dissimilar to road infrastructure. Rather than replacing a road, if you fix a road it's about 10 times cheaper.

[Kirsty Duncan, Liberal, Etobicoke North, ON]

So the recommendation to the committee is what, please?

[Raymond Louie]

The recommendation to the committee is to look carefully at the opportunities that we're presenting specific to waste. We believe there's an opportunity to reduce costs to municipalities and to consumers in general.

If you look at the circular economy, that is a more efficient way for us to conduct business in Canada as a whole. We will be more effective as a country as a whole if we implement it rather than the linear system.

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

Thank you, Ms. Duncan.

To our witnesses, Michael Goeres, Frank Moir, Raymond Louie, and Gerry Moore, thank you for your time today and your expertise. It will be helpful as we compile our committee report.

To committee members, please look at the request for a budget that's in front of you. I want to point out that we're using, as much as possible, video conferences, which cut down not only on the cost but also on the environmental impact. I commend the committee for that.

Do we have a motion to approve the proposed budget, in the amount of $9,900, for a study of the management of municipal solid waste and industrial materials? Is someone prepared to move that?

[An hon. member]

So moved.

[An hon. member]

I'll second it.

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

(Motion agreed to [See Minutes of Proceedings])

That is unanimous.

Thank you, committee members, and thank you, witnesses.

The meeting is adjourned.