Environment Committee on Sept. 18th, 2024

[Valérie Dufour]

Yes, we would really have liked him visit us to see what is happening on the ground. This evening, I have told you a bit about what my family and I are dealing with, but I am speaking for all families in Sacré‑Coeur. My family is not the only one dealing with this.

It is as though he issued an order based on his knowledge, of course, but without considering the human side, what we are experiencing, what our children are experiencing, what the people of Sacré‑Coeur are experiencing. We are working, taking responsibility and earning a living in a dignified way. It feels like we have been brushed aside, without consulting us or considering our reality.

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Thank you, Ms. Dufour.

Mr. Chair, I would like to introduce a motion.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Okay, but first I want to clarify something. I think I understand your question about the rounds now. The second round—

[Branden Leslie, Conservative, Portage—Lisgar, MB]

I was ahead of him.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I only heard him. I'm sorry.

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB]

You looked right at him.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I'm sorry. That's who I heard first.

However, I just want to clarify something, Mr. Martel. The second round includes two chances for the Conservatives to speak. First it's you, and then I have you again. Perhaps that's what you thought about a third round, but it's not a third round; it's the second round, but you're on twice.

Okay?

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Yes. That means that we have another round. I have another one.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

In the second round, there are six turns, two for the Liberals, two for the Conservatives—

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

Okay.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Okay. You may continue with your motion.

[Richard Martel, Conservative, Chicoutimi—Le Fjord, QC]

In light of the evidence I have heard at our most recent meetings, I would like to dedicate the following motion to the workers who are here with us. The motion is as follows:

Given that the Minister of Environment's proposed decree on the province of Quebec will: a) eliminate at least 1400 jobs, according to the analyses of Environment and Climate Change Canada; b) result in some Quebec communities being destroyed, such as Sacré-Coeur, with the Mayor saying the village “will pretty much become a ghost town”; c) make housing even more expensive, while the Province of Quebec is already in the middle of a housing crisis caused by this Liberal government; d) is a direct attack on Quebec's areas of jurisdiction. Therefore, the committee reports to the House its opposition to Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault's emergency decree, and urges the Government to immediately cancel its plan to impose this on Quebec.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Perfect.

Mr. van Koeverden, you have the floor.

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you very much, Mr. Martel, for the motion.

We would like some time to review it. Out of respect for the witnesses who have joined us here today and the time of day, which is quite late, I would ask that we quickly adjourn debate on this motion and move on to complete the meeting so that we can hear from our important witnesses.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

We'll vote.

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

We'd like time to read the motion.

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB]

You would like to adjourn debate. Is that the official motion?

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Well, let's just see. I think I sense a nuance there. He wants to adjourn debate. He wants to basically adjourn debate on this.

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

I would like to respect the witnesses.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

If the majority is with Mr. van Koeverden, then that's it; we move on. Okay, that's what I wanted to know.

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB]

What is the actual motion? What is he proposing?

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

He's proposing to shut this down.

[Dan Mazier, Conservative, Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB]

He is proposing to shut down the motion that—

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

He's proposing to adjourn debate on the motion.

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

It's a dilatory motion, Mr. Chair.