Evidence of meeting #90 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 regulations.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Olivier Champagne  Procedural Clerk, Journals Branch, House of Commons
Matt Jones  Assistant Deputy Minister, Pan-Canadian Framework Implementation Office , Department of the Environment
Joyce Henry  Director General, Office of Energy Efficiency, Energy Sector, Department of Natural Resources
Frank DesRosiers  Assistant Deputy Minister, Innovation and Energy Technology Sector, Department of Natural Resources
John Moffet  Acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Environmental Protection Branch, Department of the Environment
Matt Parry  Director General, Strategic Policy Directorate, Department of the Environment

December 12th, 2017 / 10:40 a.m.

Acting Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Environmental Protection Branch, Department of the Environment

John Moffet

Okay, thank you.

I apologize, but it's easier.

On the specific example, we are aware of the plant and the potential implications for the plant that will flow from the regulations that we are developing to deal with asbestos. We are in discussions with the plant and I do not think those discussions have concluded, so they remain under way. If you want more detail, I can get it to you. I don't have anymore detail, but I'm aware of the discussions.

More generally though, the point is that regulations always affect businesses and they can impose costs on businesses. One of the reasons that we take a long time to consult on the development of regulations is to make sure that we understand those implications and that we manage those implications to the extent possible, while recognizing that in some cases, in order to achieve an environmental outcome, certain timelines have to be imposed.

More generally, the overall design philosophy for environmental regulations at Environment and Climate Change Canada is to impose performance standards. What is the outcome that we're looking for? We'll tell you the outcome and we'll tell you the timeline. We won't tell you how to achieve it. Generally, that's the approach that we take across all of our regulations, including climate change regulations. The specific example you talk about is a very different one, where of course, there is concern about the use and potential entry into the environment of a toxic chemical. Therefore, we need to ensure that substance is not used in a way that it can enter into the environment. We are in discussion with the facility to determine whether there's any way to achieve that goal of zero entry of asbestos into the environment, which can lead to all sorts of health problems, while allowing the enterprise to continue to operate.

10:40 a.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

I understand what you're saying very well. I think we're on the same wavelength.

You have to understand that two players are part of the process: the company, which has made major investments of more than $1 million in research and development, and a department that must apply the legislation. Neither is responsible for the situation. This is attributable to a third party, in this case the administrative process of CSA and all other supervisory and certification bodies. The problem is not between the company and the department, but with this third party. However, the company and its employees are the victims. The situation is somewhat particular.

So the company is full of good intentions. For our part, we strongly agree that asbestos, which is regulated in Canada, is a particular and unacceptable product in 2017.

Now, what are we doing to solve all this?

10:40 a.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

Mr. Godin, I'm so sorry. The six minutes went very fast, I know. I have to cut it off. We've gone beyond six minutes.

We're at the end of our time. I want to thank you very much for sharing with us all the work the government is doing on behalf of the pan-Canadian framework. It was important for us to get an update and to understand where we are. There are obviously a lot more questions, so we may have you back.

Before I end the committee meeting, I had polled quietly to see if anybody was interested in sitting on Thursday, and I think the answer is a unanimous no.

10:45 a.m.

Liberal

Mark Gerretsen Liberal Kingston and the Islands, ON

Who said yes?

10:45 a.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

Nobody said yes, so the answer is no. We will not be meeting on Thursday.

10:45 a.m.

Conservative

Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC

Merry Christmas to you.

10:45 a.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte

When we come back, the first thing we'll do.... We could do it through a subcommittee, but I think we should probably do it as a committee. In our first meeting, we're going to talk about the Globe summit trip, the sessions we want to go to, and how we're going to manage that, because we'll need to get that organized.

The early bird closes on the 15th; we've just discussed here how we're going to do that. We won't have all the names, obviously, unless all of you get them to us. That would be great if you could, because the 15th is not very far away and we need to get the names in. If we don't have the names, we'll try to put in a hold. Okay?

That's what we'll do in our first meeting back. The intent is to work out the trip details. Over the time in the riding, think about what those sessions would be. We've given you the list so you can check that out. We'll be ready for that discussion. We also need to know who you might want to see in Calgary and Halifax, the two cities we're going to. There are some organizations and companies that I have already been made aware of that could be very interesting. Please bring your ideas forward. We'll discuss those as well when we come back. Then there will be a discussion on where we go with the committee on climate change.

Have a wonderful holiday. I'm wishing everyone a restful period with their families.

Thank you so much for spending today with us.

The meeting is adjourned.