Evidence of meeting #47 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 chair.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Director General, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Protection Branch, Department of the Environment
Everything that is in the Canada Gazette ends up in the registry, so the registry is probably more complete in that sense.
Conservative
Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB
The Canada Gazette goes to the registry, so getting it on the gazette would automatically put it in the registry. Is that what you just said?
February 6th, 2023 / 11:40 a.m.
Director General, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Protection Branch, Department of the Environment
Yes.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
I want to speak to Mr. McLean's comments. You'll notice that most of my amendments have the Canada Gazette in them, and that was really hearing from the environmental stakeholders who use this that it was their preference. NDP-29, which is coming up, does have the environmental registry, and that was done to attempt to get support from other parties.
If Mr. McLean supports this amendment but with it going into the environmental registry, I'm very open to amending it as such. I do think the Canada Gazette is a better option, but I think moving forward with this is the best option. I would be in favour of either one if there is support around the table.
Conservative
Damien Kurek Conservative Battle River—Crowfoot, AB
I'm sorry, Chair.
To the officials, just so I'm perfectly clear about the environmental registry versus something being gazetted, everything that is gazetted ends up in the registry, but what I don't think your explanation included was that the reverse is not necessarily true or is true. Everything in the environmental registry is not necessarily gazetted; however, the other way around it is. Am I correct in that understanding?
Director General, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Protection Branch, Department of the Environment
That is true. I'm trying to find out how much is in the registry that....
What you said is true.
Conservative
Greg McLean Conservative Calgary Centre, AB
I'm sorry. Back to the analysts here, I'm really trying to understand the difference between BillS-5 and.... Outside of the wording on the registry versus the Canada Gazette, which doesn't seem to be that large a hurdle, what is the difference between the two? Both of them are saying two years, and if we exceed two years, the minister has to give reasons for the delay and the estimated time frame within which the statement under this paragraph is published. It really seems like it's saying the same thing here, just through a different mechanism.
Ms. Collins, if you can walk me through what the difference is between the Liberal amendment and your amendment outside of that point, I'd appreciate that.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
Mr. McLean, I will be repeating a lot of what Ms. Farquharson said, but the Liberal amendment deals with the risk management plan and the proposed versus the finalized assessment—“proposed” is the wrong language, but I hope you understand what I mean—whereas this is a later step, and it's really about additional measures and instruments to make sure we have accountability and prevent lengthy delays in the full suite of risk management plans.
Ms. Farquharson, if you want to jump in to correct anything I've said, please feel free.
Liberal
Terry Duguid Liberal Winnipeg South, MB
Mr. Chair, like others, I appreciate this very nuanced discussion, and it does seem that officials wanted a little bit more time to explore the subtleties. I know that our side would very much like to have a pause.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I call the meeting back to order. I think we're ready to resume.
Ms. Collins, you were next on the speakers list.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
I was curious about procedure. With regard to the pauses, when a member asks for a pause, is it by consensus, debate or a vote?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
That's a good question.
We've been acting informally, but I'll get you a formal response. It's at the discretion of the chair, but the chair can always be challenged. It's not unlimited power.
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
That's good to know.
I'll make a comment as someone who very much wants to be there in person, but is sick today and can't fly. It's difficult knowing that the other committee members are having discussions in those pauses, when I think we should probably have those conversations here, on the record.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Sure. I think they were just trying to clarify some things.
We've opened up the debate now, so if there's anything else you want to say or if you want ask a question....
Go ahead, Mr. Lake.
Conservative
Mike Lake Conservative Edmonton—Wetaskiwin, AB
This is an observation.
First of all, that's why it's so important that we're in person. I understand that the member can't be here right now, but even if we were in the same room all together and we had a pause for clarity, not everybody is in every conversation that we would have if that were the case.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
That's true. That's a good point.
I think we can proceed, but if you have any questions or comments, Ms. Collins, on the substance of your amendment...or do you want to allow others to intervene on the amendment?
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
I think I've spoken extensively on it so far. I'm open to members' questions or comments.
Liberal
Liberal
Terry Duguid Liberal Winnipeg South, MB
Mr. Chair, I'll offer to Ms. Collins that the government side will be opposing NDP-28, NDP-29 and NDP-30, but we'll be supporting NDP-31.
Liberal