Thank you, Madam Chair.
It's my pleasure to join you today to discuss the 2017-18 supplementary estimates (C) and the 2018-19 interim estimates for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. I'm Alan Kerr, vice-president of corporate services and CFO, and I'm joined by my colleague Heather Smith, vice-president of operations.
I will begin with my presentation of the items that have been requested by the agency in the 2017-18 supplementary estimates (C), and close with a brief overview of our 2018-19 interim estimates.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency provides evidence-based environmental assessments that protect the environment, foster economic growth, and serve the interest of Canadians. We support the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in carrying out her responsibilities by conducting environmental assessments for major projects, which are based on science, and which include feedback and expertise received from the public, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders.
In the 2017-18 fiscal year, the agency actively supported the minister in leading a national review of federal environmental assessment processes. In June 2017, the government released a discussion paper that outlined a series of changes that it was considering to strengthen Canada's environmental assessment and regulatory processes.
The government has engaged extensively on the discussion paper since its release, both online and through in-person meetings, including through the launch of an engagement website to solicit input on the proposed approach. During this consultation, the minister and the agency's staff collectively held over 100 meetings with indigenous groups, provinces and territories, industry, and non-governmental organizations. The result of these consultations was the tabling of legislation by the minister on February 8 of this year.
Supplementary estimates (C) provide the agency with $1 million in expenditure authority from Environment and Climate Change Canada to assist in managing the costs of these extensive consultations.
In 2018-19, in addition to supporting the minister during the parliamentary process as the proposed bill is considered, the agency will continue its important day-to-day work in conducting environmental assessments while also preparing for the potential passing of the bill into law.
To accomplish these critical mandates and deliver on the government's priorities, the agency seeks an interim supply of $15.1 million to meet the agency's financial obligations pending approval of the main estimates. Our team will fulfill our mandate of conducting high-quality environmental assessments that contribute to informed decision-making and support sustainable development. In all of our activities, we will continue to consider feedback and expertise received from the public, indigenous groups, and other stakeholders.
We will be happy to answer any questions the committee may have. Thank you, Madam Chair.