Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
We spoke earlier about the fact that paper copies of opening statements won't be distributed because of the difficult situation at the translation bureau, due to an excessively high workload.
I remind you yet again that the deadlines for the committee's decision on the study of Bill S‑5, which passed by a vote of 5 to 4, means that we are hearing from fewer witnesses. We voted in favour of four witnesses per hour, one selected by each party. However, several times now, we've only heard from three witnesses. At this point, we should have heard 24 witnesses, but we have only heard 20.
And yet, everyone tells us that it is very important to properly review Bill S‑5. I just wanted to make the point while our meeting is public.
Thank you to the witnesses for being here.
Ms. Brown, I'm interested in the right to a healthy environment. During an information session on Bill S‑5, high-level officials confirmed that the bill did not create such a right. It's a principle intended to guide the Canada Environmental Protection Act's implementation, and would be defined only in two years' time.
Does your community think that this provision in the preamble of the bill will lead to increased understanding and participation in decisions that impact your communities' health and that of the environment?