I appreciate all the hard work. I know the committee has been looking at our FSDS and looking at different options.
I had a chance to read David Boyd's submission, and I think you referred to many points that he raised. I'm certainly interested in hearing about how we can improve it.
You will laugh possibly, but if you ask any of the members of cabinet, all I do is tell them that we need a whole-of-government approach when it comes to tackling climate change, and making sure that we have a strategy in place that shows that we are a leader. That's what we want to be.
It's challenging. Certainly looking at what the opportunities are across the board to bring together different departments, I think is part of the FSDS. I think we have close to 40 departments, or we maybe have more than 40, that are involved. It is a bit of a challenge. I think everyone is extremely committed to looking at how we can do better, but it's something that requires work.
What we did this year, and, as I say, the report is not perfect.... That's why it's a draft, and I certainly appreciate the feedback of the committee. We did link it with the UN sustainable development goals. I think that's very important. The sustainable development goals are something that I certainly care deeply about. They obviously go beyond just environmental goals. They talk about tackling poverty. The sustainable development strategy, the act, is looking at how government across the board tackles environmental issues.
It's not necessarily a perfect fix, but they are certainly goals that are aligned with what government is doing. There could not be a better example than climate change. That is certainly cross-cutting, and it fits extraordinarily well with the sustainable development goal to tackle climate change.
I certainly welcome suggestions and comments, and I know the commissioner has appeared here. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
We also have public consultations that are ongoing across Canada to receive suggestions from all Canadians. I'm very active when I meet with anyone, with business, environmental groups, indigenous groups, climate activists, when I meet with youth. I say please, please provide your suggestions about how we can strengthen what government is doing and really be a leader.