Evidence of meeting #114 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was see.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Olivier Champagne  Legislative Clerk, House of Commons
Jean-Sébastien Rochon  Counsel, Department of Justice
Christine Loth-Bown  Vice-President, Policy Development Sector, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Brent Parker  Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Division, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Jeff Labonté  Assistant Deputy Minister, Major Projects Management Office, Department of Natural Resources
Terence Hubbard  Director General, Petroleum Resources Branch, Department of Natural Resources

1:45 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

We'll move on. Amendment LIB-50 was withdrawn, and we are now on PV-75.

Ms. May.

1:50 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

We're still in the rubric of “Strategic Assessments”. What I am proposing is based on the testimony of the Assembly of First Nations, that we amend this proposed section to ensure consideration of indigenous knowledge in any strategic or regional assessment.

It's very clear. My amendment speaks for itself. It must include terms respecting the consideration of the traditional knowledge of the indigenous peoples of Canada.

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

That's adding a third proposed subsection under proposed section 96.

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

William Amos Liberal Pontiac, QC

Madam Chair, because this issue really is of great importance—the incorporation and respect of indigenous knowledge—we've brought forward our own amendments, in particular LIB-51. It would require the taking into account of scientific information as well as indigenous knowledge.

I don't want there to be any sense that we're not focused on achieving similar ends. I think there's a difference in the method of getting there.

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

We are taking the vote.

1:50 p.m.

Conservative

Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC

I would like a recorded vote.

(Amendment negatived: nays 8; yeas 1 [See Minutes of Proceedings])

1:50 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

We're going to stop here. I'm looking at my watch and we're at 10 minutes to. I'm going to suspend, and we're going to come back right after votes.

3:30 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

We will resume. Welcome back, everyone.

We're going to start at LIB-51.

3:35 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Madam Chair, if I may, I wanted to make a brief intervention. You all know that the motion that requires me to be in committees is difficult for me. Bill C-74 is going through clause-by-clause consideration right now. I have amendments there too. It's simultaneous. I'm going to be in and out. I hope I won't miss one of my amendments. In case, I'm out of the room, I would want you all to know that it's because the motion you passed is identical to the motion passed in the finance committee. I'm fortunate they're not in different buildings today; that has happened to me in the past. I'll do my best not to miss anything.

Thank you.

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

That's fair enough.

Mr. Amos, do you wish to speak to LIB-51?

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

William Amos Liberal Pontiac, QC

Thank you, Madam Chair.

We heard loud and clear from indigenous organizations and leaders that the incorporation of indigenous knowledge into strategic and regional assessments was important. We wanted to deliver on that. That is what LIB-51 is all about.

3:35 p.m.

NDP

Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

Will you explain how it's different?

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

William Amos Liberal Pontiac, QC

I'd have to review both side by side. I suggest that by dint of the fact that we consulted with government lawyers and the government itself, it's probably a bit better.

3:35 p.m.

NDP

Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB

I think I can probably add that simply deciding to add “scientific information” makes it different.

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

Okay, we're not going to debate. We're going to vote.

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC

I'd like a recorded vote.

(Amendment agreed to: yeas 8; nays 0 [See Minutes of Proceedings])

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

That's excellent. We're off to a good start.

Now on LIB-52, we have Mr. Amos.

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

William Amos Liberal Pontiac, QC

I understand from Mr. Bossio that the purpose of this amendment was to protect indigenous knowledge in the context of assessments, so this should clarify that indigenous knowledge that's used in a strategic or regional impact assessment will be protected. The connection points are with the upcoming Liberal amendments 63 and125, which will require that before indigenous knowledge is disclosed that the minister consult the person or entity who provided it, as well as the person or entity to whom it be disclosed.

Also, Liberal amendments 89 and 126 will specify conditions on a disclosure of indigenous knowledge in light of consultations. There's a package. When it comes around to Liberal amendments 63, 125, 89, and 126, I won't go into the same detail. The intent and the function are the same.

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

Okay. That's clear.

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC

I'd like a recorded vote.

(Amendment agreed to: yeas 6; nays 2 [See Minutes of Proceedings])

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

Thank you.

On LIB-53, we have Mr. Aldag.

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

John Aldag Liberal Cloverdale—Langley City, BC

I believe my colleague Mr. Bossio has spoken to this one previously.

The essence is looking at adding “meaningfully” within the context of public participation.

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

We've had some discussion about that today as well.

3:35 p.m.

Conservative

Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC

I'd like a recorded vote.

(Amendment agreed to: yeas 8; nays 0 [See Minutes of Proceedings])

3:35 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

It's unanimous. That's wonderful.

On LIB-54, we have Mr. Aldag.