Evidence of meeting #35 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 justice.
A recording is available from Parliament.
2:15 p.m.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
I have a question, Mr. Chair.
At the beginning of the meeting, Mr. McLean asked about the definition of environmental justice, and Ms. May suggested the definition of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
What are we doing with the definition of environmental justice? We talked about it, but we didn't lay it out anywhere.
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
It's too late. The bill has already been passed, but we can come back to it and have a discussion.
Right now, I have to finish putting the questions on the bill.
Shall I report the bill to the House?
2:15 p.m.
Some hon. members
Agreed.
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
There were no amendments.
Our work is done.
If I understand correctly, the definition of environmental justice is fairly clear, according to Ms. May.
Correct me if I'm wrong, Ms. May.
2:15 p.m.
Green
Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
If you'd like, I can read the definition Ms. Farquharson, one of the Environment Canada officials, gave in response to Mr. McLean's question.
It's a very well understood definition that's quite available and accepted. It's:
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
I had translated it, but this is pretty much boiler plate. I wouldn't put forward legislation, although I wasn't the original drafter, and again, thanks to Lenore Zann.
As a former environmental lawyer, Greg, I can tell you it's really hard to find environmental laws that work in this country. This one should not put us into any kind of snags.
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Just a second.
What we have to do now is break. We're coming back in camera.
2:15 p.m.
Conservative
Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB
One second, Mr. Chair. You've entertained this thus far. I would put it to Madam May that if there is the EPA's definition of “environmental justice”, then I would suggest to her that when we table this kind of legislation in the future we include that because I imagine, although I'm not a hundred per cent sure, there are other definitions of “environmental justice” kicking around. When somebody else puts that in front of a court of law, and this one isn't clearly enunciated as part of the legislation, there is going to be somebody, who isn't one of us and who wasn't here at the drafting, making that assessment of what is meant by “environmental justice”.
If it is the EPA definition, I suggest it should—
2:15 p.m.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.
I'm just wondering if this debate is in order.
2:15 p.m.
Conservative
Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB
No, it's not. It was a point of discussion and we did entertain the first half of it.
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I'm told that as long as we have speakers, the meeting continues, but my intent here is really to pause and go in camera so we can plan our agenda for the next few weeks, given that we have a reference order on Bill S-5.
Mr. Longfield, do you want to say something?
2:15 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I was hoping we would just pause so that we could go in camera and discuss our work plan.
2:20 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
We'll vote on that.
(Motion agreed to: yeas 10; nays 1)
We can't go in camera, so I don't know how we're going to—
2:20 p.m.
An hon. member
What about the subcommittee?
2:20 p.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
No, a subcommittee can only take place during the block of time that is reserved for the committee, so this is going to put us off one meeting.
We will adjourn the meeting.
