Evidence of meeting #40 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was parks.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Michael Martin  Deputy Minister, Department of the Environment
Alan Latourelle  Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada
Ron Hallman  President, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Mitch Bloom  Acting President, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Carol Najm  Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer, Finance Branch, Department of the Environment
Helen Cutts  Vice-President, Policy Development, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

Have there been any Governor in Council determinations on any species at risk in the last while?

4:15 p.m.

Deputy Minister, Department of the Environment

Michael Martin

I can verify that, but the only recent case that comes to mind is the case where we sought an emergency protection order for the sage grouse.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

I'm given to understand that there's a whole pile of these things on the minister's desk, that COSEWIC has actually presented a number of findings on a variety of species and this has not actually come off the minister's desk. Is that correct?

4:15 p.m.

Deputy Minister, Department of the Environment

Michael Martin

I would have to verify in terms of where we are in terms of COSEWIC recommendations. I'm sorry, I don't have that information today, but if the committee wishes it, I can certainly provide it.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

I would particularly appreciate it, Chair.

The secondary questions have to do with Parks Canada.

How much time do I have?

4:15 p.m.

NDP

The Vice-Chair NDP François Choquette

You have a minute and a half left.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

One minute. My goodness.

The Rideau Canal is a pretty seriously degraded piece of infrastructure entirely within Parks Canada's jurisdiction. Is any of this money that's set aside in your supplements directed to the Rideau Canal, and if so, how much?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Alan Latourelle

Yes, Mr. Chair, there are six different projects that amount to about $1.5 million for the Rideau Canal as part of the $57 million.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

I'm sorry, how much?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Alan Latourelle

There are six projects for about $1.5 million.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

$1.5 million?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

That's it? Six projects, and $1.5 million out of $391 million.

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Alan Latourelle

Sorry, Mr. Chair, of the $57.7 million that is being presented today.... On the remaining $340 million or so for the next four years, the allocations will be confirmed shortly.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

Okay. I'll have to come back on this, because I'm a little confused as to what you just said.

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

Is it $1.5 million out of the $57 million?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

Six projects?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

Of the $391 million, what part of that is for the Rideau?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Alan Latourelle

That we still need to make the final allocation and decisions on.

4:15 p.m.

Liberal

John McKay Liberal Scarborough—Guildwood, ON

What about the announcement of the Prime Minister of $2.8 billion?

4:15 p.m.

Chief Executive Officer, Parks Canada

Alan Latourelle

We received the announcement this week and we will move quickly to implement.

4:15 p.m.

NDP

The Vice-Chair NDP François Choquette

Mr. McKay, unfortunately, your time is up.

Thank you very much for your questions.

We will now move on to the five-minute rounds of questions and answers. We will start with Ms. Freeman.