Environment Committee on Nov. 27th, 2024

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I'd like to hear the minister's answer, because it's really important to understand.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I was just clarifying my question so that he would understand the question itself.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Yes, I understand. I think this exchange is very interesting.

Please go ahead, Mr. Minister.

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

The federal government, when it comes to impact assessments, has a role to play on certain projects. As you know, the Supreme Court asked us to redefine our role in project impact assessment—

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Just so that we don't get too much off track with the Supreme Court—

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Ms. Collins, I'm trying to answer your question. If you don't want me to answer, that's your prerogative; it's your time.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

The core of these questions, for me, goes back to the question that you weren't able to answer, which I asked you. Do you regret approving or being part of a government that approved and bought the Trans Mountain pipeline?

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

We were talking about the Bay du Nord development project, but the member is talking about the Trans Mountain pipeline. Mr. Chair, I'm a little confused.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I think we're getting off topic. I think the Bay du Nord is very relevant to the discussion of Bill C-73, but I don't think, personally, that the Trans Mountain pipeline is.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Climate change and weak environmental policies have driven a biodiversity crisis. I hope that the minister would agree that is threatening essential ecosystems, that in your own words, “The atmosphere and our climate certainly don't need them”, when talking about pipelines. Many of us believe we cannot build pipelines and meet our international climate commitments at the same time.

[Steven Guilbeault, Liberal, Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC]

Are we back to the pipeline, Mr. Chair?

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Yes.

Could you veer back to biodiversity, Ms. Collins?

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I am not sure if you want me to read my same question again, which started off with “Climate change and weak environmental policies have driven a biodiversity crisis.”

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Go ahead—

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac, QC]

I have a point of order.

This is a bill that we will be debating in committee. There are provisions, and we will probably make amendments. Can we talk about that, please?

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I do understand that the Liberals don't want to hear the minister's answer to this question.

[Sophie Chatel, Liberal, Pontiac, QC]

No. I am sorry, but I understand that you don't want this bill to pass.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Ms. Collins, why don't you continue?

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.

I would just like an apology and for the member to withdraw....

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

I didn't even really hear what the member said.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

She was imputing motives to my questions—

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Well, this happens a lot in this committee.

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

—and it is against the rules, and it is unparliamentary.

[The Chair, Liberal, Francis Scarpaleggia]

Listen, let's put that behind us, and why don't—

[Laurel Collins, NDP, Victoria, BC]

Mr. Chair, I've asked the member to withdraw her comment and apologize.