Environment Committee on Nov. 25th, 2024

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

No, we wiped out the original list, because it was all done in camera.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

On a point of order, Mr. Chair.

We were supposed to hold an in camera meeting, as we say in Latin. I am actually going to try someday to understand why we say “in camera” when there is no camera. In fact, the word “camera” means “box”. It dates from the Daguerre brothers' invention of the daguerreotype, which was a box. That is why they called it a camera, and that is why we say we are “in the box”. Nobody can see inside. The only light that can get in is the light that is allowed in. That's interesting. White hair really does have to be useful for something.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

That is very interesting, but I know that Ms. Pauzé had suggested that we go back in camera.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

That is kind of where I am at. Obviously, it is delicate, because we are not able to discuss what was said in camera, but we had agreed that it was the thing to do. At least, there would have to be a vote to decide whether we go back in camera or not.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Yes, that would be standard procedure.

Ms. Pauzé, I think you want us to go back in—

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.

You said something before we left in camera.

I would just say that you clarified your decision about how many votes we would have.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Yes, that's right, I did. That's what I'm getting at.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I think, then, that I'm on the speaking list. Is that correct?

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Yes. You could make a motion to go back in camera. You're next on the speaking list.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I will be making that motion, but before I do that, I just want to put something on notice. I'm tabling this motion, not moving it. I have a motion on energy poverty. As folks know, Madame Pauzé's study is wrapping up, so the next study on the list is an NDP study. We are seeing Canadians across Canada struggling with the cost of living. We also know that buildings are among the top three emitters in Canada. It's the oil and gas sector, then transportation, and then buildings for heating and cooling that are driving up our emissions.

I'm going to read out the motion.

That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study on energy poverty and home energy efficiency;

That this study include a review of defining and measuring energy poverty, barriers to getting to net-zero emissions in low-income homes, home retrofits for energy efficiency and existing government programs and policies, tenant rights in relation to access to energy services and affordable housing, the infrastructure gap in indigenous communities and its hindrance to reaching net-zero emissions in homes;

That experts and stakeholders be invited to appear; that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources be invited to appear; that the study consist of no fewer than six meetings; that the committee report its findings and recommendations to the House of Commons; and that, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee request that the government table a comprehensive response to the report.

I'm just giving notice. I'm hoping that everyone around this table can get on board with studying such an important topic.

Now I will move a motion to go back in camera.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Okay, let's vote on that.

[Adam van Koeverden, Liberal, Milton, ON]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.

With regard to my intervention that I hope to do, it doesn't matter if we are in camera or not. I would like to be first in the speaking order—

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Okay. There's no problem there.

[Gérard Deltell, Conservative, Louis-Saint-Laurent, QC]

You had that list before—

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Chair—

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I will consult the clerk because it's getting a little complicated.

If you want to be on the list after Mr. van Koeverden, I'll put you on the list.

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

How did he get on the list first? That's absurd.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

It's because he just asked.

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

I'd like to ask the clerk for clarity on whether or not the list that is in camera prior to moving out of camera...if, in the same meeting, you move back in camera—

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

It's at the discretion of the chair.

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

Why are you choosing that discretion, then?

[Lloyd Longfield, Liberal, Guelph, ON]

There's a dilatory motion on the table.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

There's a motion on the table. Let's vote on the motion.

I consider that wiped clean because we still don't know if we're going back in camera, so this is a moot point.

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

This is absurd.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Ms. Collins, we have to vote on your motion.

(Motion agreed to: yeas 11; nays 0)