Actually, it is never too late to act in favour of the environment in order to reduce mortality rates and health problems. We have been waiting for the reform of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act for 23 years. It has to get done sometime, and the act states that there must be regular reforms. Over the past few years, this requirement has not been followed.
We know that when we fail to act for the environment, whether it be in the fight against climate change, habitat fragmentation or the decline in biodiversity, there are disastrous consequences in terms of people's health.
Conversely, we also know that when we act to protect the environment, there are health benefits. When we look at economic factors and worry, for example, that there might be revenue losses or costs associated with certain policies, it is important to look at the health benefits that these positive and ambitious climate policies can have. Generally speaking, when we act decisively to protect the environment, economic gains follow.
At the risk of repeating myself, you should know that here in Canada, air pollution costs us $120 billion per year. In Quebec, that works out to $30 billion a year. Better air quality standards would allow us to reduce these costs and invest the money elsewhere. Moreover, our citizens would enjoy better health and could be more involved in their communities. We have to seize this opportunity right now.