Evidence of meeting #3 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was question.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Director General, Energy and Transportation, Department of the Environment
Yes, once there are no more gasoline-powered vehicles on the road.
Liberal
Francis Scarpaleggia Liberal Lac-Saint-Louis, QC
Great. That's clear.
Am I to understand that all charging stations being installed across Canada right now are for electric vehicles? Are some for vehicles powered by other fuel sources—ones that are more or less clean—like hydrogen? Are they all EV charging stations, or are there other types?
Executive Director, Fuel Diversification Division, Clean Fuels Branch, Department of Natural Resources
We are incentivizing the installation of electric vehicle chargers, fast chargers, and level 2 chargers as well as hydrogen stations and natural gas stations along key freight corridors.
Liberal
Francis Scarpaleggia Liberal Lac-Saint-Louis, QC
Natural gas, hydrogen, and electricity are really what we're talking about, but when it comes to passenger vehicles, the major source would be electric charging stations. You seem to mention that hydrogen and natural gas are more useful for freight vehicles. Is that correct?
Executive Director, Fuel Diversification Division, Clean Fuels Branch, Department of Natural Resources
That's correct. For light-duty vehicles it would be predominantly electric vehicle charging, although hydrogen stations are being deployed in metropolitan centres—for example, in Montreal, in Quebec City and in Vancouver—where original vehicle manufacturers are also deploying some hydrogen fleets.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Thank you very much.
I thank you, witnesses, and I repeat the question I asked to all of you who are here: can we make your opening statements public?
Executive Director, Fuel Diversification Division, Clean Fuels Branch, Department of Natural Resources
Natural Resources Canada says yes.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
That's Natural Resources.
Alexandre, are you making a note?
How about Department of the Environment?
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Environmental Protection Branch, Department of the Environment
That's fine.
Director General, Environmental Policy, Department of Transport
Yes, we have no concerns.
Senior Director, Industry Sector, Automotive, Transportation and Digital Technology Branch, Department of Industry
Yes, Madam Chair.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
I know, but unfortunately we have to ask the question, and so that's that.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
It's just a quick question. I was in transit while that was happening. Were there two rounds that went by? Did we not pass a motion whereby the Bloc and the NDP were supposed to get their turns in between the Conservative and Liberal second rounds? Is that not correct?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
Actually, I print only what the clerk gives me, and that printing says that in the first and second rounds, you got your two and a half minutes, and in the third round you were supposed to get your two and a half minutes, but we extended the time, and I had to clarify. You won't be able to ask the question, because the interpreters say they would not be able to translate if you are not—
Conservative
Dan Albas Conservative Central Okanagan—Similkameen—Nicola, BC
Can we try for five minutes? Maybe let her—
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Yasmin Ratansi
I don't mind, as long as....but the interpreters say they cannot interpret from the phone.
I'll give Madame Pauzé two and a half minutes, and Madame Collins, if nobody complains about not having translation, I'll give it to you as well.
Madame Pauzé.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Thank you, Madam Chair. I had turned on my microphone for the same reason.
My questions are for you, Mrs. Irwin. I'd like to know whether the automobile industry has to meet any specific conditions to access funding under the strategic innovation fund.