I'm not going to argue with that. For sure let's figure out a way to make it work.
Just on your park bench thing. All those small things can be developed with standards. We don't need to have assessments for them. Just have the right standards and implement them.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to work in the oil sands. I lived at Denman camp on the Kearl project doing environmental assessment there. Again, with the effect of this legislation on energy and industrial development, I know some on this committee are uncomfortable with this approach because it's so effective.
I would point out that Andrew Weaver, the head of the Green Party in B.C., sent out a news release about an hour ago regarding the Prime Minister's comments on the oil sands. Mr. Weaver said he's disappointed that “the Prime Minister is doubling down on a sunset industry whose expansion puts our climate targets out of reach.”
A singular experience for me, when I lived at that Denman camp was the type of people who were in the camp. They came from all walks of life. Many were labourers who up to that point lived on very low incomes. These people's education levels were low. The oil sands were a chance for them. Many were from the Maritimes.
I'm asking this of all the panellists. Do you agree with Mr. Weaver that the oil sands should be phased out?