Evidence of meeting #135 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was biodiversity.

A recording is available from Parliament.

oil and gasbay du nordbiodiversitycarbon taxgreenhouse gas emissionstrans mountain pipelinetrack to meet

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Basile van Havre  Director General, Canadian Wildlife Service, Department of the Environment

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

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

As spoken

Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC

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

As spoken

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

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

Please go ahead, Mr. Minister.

As spoken

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—

Translated

Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC

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

As spoken

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.

Translated

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?

As spoken

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.

Translated

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.

As spoken

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.

As spoken

Steven Guilbeault Liberal Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC

Are we back to the pipeline, Mr. Chair?

Translated

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

Yes.

Could you veer back to biodiversity, Ms. Collins?

As spoken

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.”

As spoken

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

Go ahead—

As spoken

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?

Translated

Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC

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

As spoken

Sophie Chatel Liberal Pontiac, QC

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

As spoken

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

Ms. Collins, why don't you continue?

As spoken

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....

As spoken

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

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

As spoken

Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC

She was imputing motives to my questions—

As spoken

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

Well, this happens a lot in this committee.

As spoken

Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC

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

As spoken

The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia

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

As spoken

Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC

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

As spoken