Environment Committee on Nov. 5th, 2014

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Actually, that's the next question I was going to ask you.

I know that you just accepted the position. It was in July, right? So that's not much time,but since you already have a lot of experience in international climate change negotiations, I am sure you are already aware of the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC. You know that the conference in Lima will take place soon, and the one in Paris is in 2015. Have you had time to start looking at Canada's long-term plan regarding, as you mentioned, the climate change negotiations?

[Michael Martin]

Climate change is still a major concern for the department and for me, personally. Of course, we are continuing to take part in negotiations to obtain a global agreement in Paris that will promote global progress in fighting climate change.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

That's excellent. Actually, I think climate change will be the challenge of our generation and future generations. The Copenhagen conference was criticized, as you know, by a number of environmental and social stakeholders, among others, since there was no binding agreement, unlike the Kyoto Protocol. I hope that you have started looking at this to come up with a binding agreement in 2015 to be ratified in 2020. I know that you have just started as deputy minister, but you have significant experience. So I find it interesting to see that you have been appointed to the position. I would like to come back to the Copenhagen conference.

How much time do I have left?

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

You have 30 seconds.

[François Choquette, NDP, Drummond, QC]

Could you please tell me quickly what your personal experience was in Copenhagen?

[Michael Martin]

It was fascinating. It was a very large, very complex conference, and there were major debates as part of the negotiations, which are continuing, to reconcile sustainable development and the dynamics of current economic growth. Personally, I thought it was a great experience, but it was a major challenge. I was happy with Canada's contribution to the conference.

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

Thank you, Mr. Choquette.

We'll move now to Mr. Woodworth, for five minutes.

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

I don't believe so.

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

No? Okay.

Is there anyone else?

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

Could I just have five?

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

Go ahead, Mr. Woodworth.

We're going to go with Mr. Woodworth and then Mr. McKay, and we'll probably end with that.

[Stephen Woodworth, Conservative, Kitchener Centre, ON]

Mr. Deputy Minister, could you tell me from what department you have come and what your position was there and how you feel it prepares you for your present position?

[Michael Martin]

In my last job, I was the senior associate deputy minister of National Defence for about 17 months. Prior to that I was the deputy secretary of operations—

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

The what? Sorry, what was that? What did the member say?

What did you call me?

[John McKay, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood, ON]

Oh, sit down. Just sit down.

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

What did you call me? No, I don't take that.

What did he call me, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

I have no idea. I didn't hear it.

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

What was it you called me, Mr. McKay?

Sorry, I have a point of order.

What was it that you called me?

[John McKay, Liberal, Scarborough—Guildwood, ON]

I don't have to answer any of your juvenile questions.

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

Mr. Calandra and Mr. McKay, please come to order.

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

I wonder if anybody heard what he called me.

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

Mr. Martin, please proceed.

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

Did anybody on this side of the table hear what he called me?

[The Chair, Conservative, Harold Albrecht]

Mr. Calandra, please.

[Paul Calandra, Conservative, Oak Ridges—Markham, ON]

What did you mean by “the godfather”?