Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
To all of the witnesses, welcome.
Mr. McTeague, it's been a while, but I remember serving with you. Of course, when you talk about the deferred taxes not being a subsidy, I think someone who spent as much time on the industry committee as you did certainly understands that which makes this country roll.
Our oil and gas has been scrutinized, from the digging up of the very first molecule to the end of its life cycle, where we end up consuming it, yet we don't look at other energy sources through the same lens. For example, there seems to be a forgotten component when the government talks about electric vehicles leading the way to net zero. I know you've discussed the concept of the battery development that's needed to create the vehicles, and the 500:1 ratio as far as mining to the final product is concerned.
We talk about electric vehicles, but of course they are highly subsidized as well. The environmental and financial impact it has for Canadians is important.
As you mentioned, the oil and gas industry is innovative and engaged when it comes to reaching net zero. However, unlike hydro, solar, wind and other energy sources deemed green by this government, it's being demonized by existing and proposed environmental policies.
It seems as though no one who is leading the charge of EV acknowledges the strip mining and the violation of human rights in making batteries. No one seems to mention the cost of these vehicles, which puts them out of reach for most Canadians. It seems as if government is subsidizing industry, catering to the elite at the cost of jobs.
When I had a chance to speak to some people involved with hydrocarbons, of course they were talking about windmills. It takes 17 tonnes of material for a windmill, and seven tonnes of that is plastic. These things come from hydrocarbons. As we demonize one, we end up with problems in the other areas.
I'm just wondering if you could talk to us about the longer-term impact of this government's pushing EVs, and the negative effects it will have on taxpayers, who will be forced to subsidize the cleanup of these projects once investors have walked away with their millions.