Evidence of meeting #79 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 freshwater.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Director General, Water Science and Technology, Department of the Environment
Thank you, again, from ECCC's science and technology branch.
To give just a quick summary from a science perspective, some of the more important issues.... I would echo my colleague from DFO, focusing on the importance of collaboration given the complexity and shared jurisdiction of fresh water in Canada.
From a science perspective, certainly climate change is at the forefront, as identified by our colleagues. The input of excess nutrients, both phosphorus and nitrogen, is important.
Pollutants and toxic chemicals, as well as plastics, are also important issues, as demonstrated by investment from the government in this area.
I would finish by noting, just generally, that aquatic ecological health, including biodiversity loss, would also be another important focus for us.
Thank you.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
I heard a lot of important comments with respect to biodiversity and habitat. These are all very important. Like my colleague Mr. Longfield from Guelph, I'm a big fan of the “one health” approach with respect to looking at climate change from a human and animal health perspective.
Lastly, perhaps for DFO, regarding toxins in the food we eat that comes from the Great Lakes, I would love to hear about any research you've seen on how fish and our food chain are impacted by pollutants in the Great Lakes.
Director General, Ecosystems Management, Department of Fisheries and Oceans
I'm going to defer to my colleague in the Ontario and Prairies region, Ms. Oakman.
Hilary Oakman
Actually, Fisheries and Oceans Canada does not have the responsibility to assess the amount of toxin in fish.
I'd refer that back to Environment and Climate Change Canada or the Food Inspection Agency.
October 24th, 2023 / 11:50 a.m.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I don't think we have time to get into it, but it raises an interesting point: There's a lot of coordination required in protecting our fresh water. There may be gaps in coordination, which is what we're trying to ascertain.
Go ahead, Ms. Pauzé.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I just want to see if Mr. Wolfish is connected. I think he has to do it through his cell phone.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Okay. We'll try Mr. Wolfish.
Can you tell us what the weather is like in Winnipeg today?
We'll see whether he comes through.
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Canada Water Agency, Department of the Environment
It's a sunny day in Winnipeg today.
I changed my connection. I'm hoping you can hear me better.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Could you talk about tomorrow's weather, based on the forecast?
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Canada Water Agency, Department of the Environment
I'm hoping that tomorrow's weather will bring sun, with the appropriate amount of freshwater rain.
The Clerk of the Committee Ms. Natalie Jeanneault
Could we have his mike more between his nose and his mouth?
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Canada Water Agency, Department of the Environment
Is that better?
I'm hoping this works better for you.
You're showing some real patience today; thanks for that. I know the process is a bit frustrating.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
We're having trouble interpreting the signals from the booth, I think.
Is it good?
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Keep going, you say. Let's see what we're....
We're going to run a test.
Go ahead, Ms. Pauzé.
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
I'll wait for a signal from the interpreters.
That's good. So getting back to the coordination issue, the Canadian water agency was created to ensure better coordination, wasn't it?
The creation of that agency was mentioned in motion M‑34 of 2020‑2021.
Under that motion, the committee was to study the creation of the Canada water agency. However, it was ultimately created without the committee studying the matter.
I'd like to know if the federal government intends to listen to Quebec, which has more than 60 lakes with areas greater than 50 square kilometers and a long and rich history of protecting that vital resource.
I ask the question because I remember that the Quebec government wrote to Mr. Wilkinson in 2021 to say that the Canada water agency encroached on Quebec's jurisdiction.
Mr. Wolfish, have relations improved at all since then with Quebec's Ministère de l'Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs?
Acting Assistant Deputy Minister, Canada Water Agency, Department of the Environment
Thank you for your question. I'll answer it in English, but I can comment in French if you wish.
We have been in touch with the Government of Quebec. We received the letter about their concerns around the creation of the Canada water agency. Our goal is to make sure that in the implementation of our programs and policies we continue to respect the federal framework and the roles and responsibilities of the province's territories, as well as the role indigenous peoples can play in the management of fresh water.
In addition to that, we are keen to continue to work with Quebec—
Bloc
Monique Pauzé Bloc Repentigny, QC
Pardon me for interrupting, Mr. Wolfish, but I'd especially like to know, yes or no, if the people at Environment and Climate Change Canada have contacted those at Quebec's Ministère de l'Environnement regarding coordination issues and the creation of the Canada water agency.