Evidence of meeting #40 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was work.
A video is available from Parliament.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shannon Miedema
Thank you very much, Mr. Leslie.
We'll now turn to Mr. St-Pierre for five minutes.
Liberal
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Welcome again, Ms. Dabrusin. You've been incredibly generous with your time.
We know that energy efficiency should be our “first fuel”, and the best energy is that we don't use. According to Efficiency Canada, as we aim to double our electricity grid by 2050, the energy we save from implementing energy efficiency measures “could account for more than 40% of Canada’s energy needs by 2050 if we start prioritizing...policies that improve energy efficiency”.
Energy efficiency also saves Canadians money on their energy bills. It creates half a million Canadian jobs, recirculates money in all of our Canadian ridings, reduces pollution and increases our sovereignty. Frankly speaking, I know that the Bloc is supportive of energy efficiency. I'm a little shocked that the Conservatives are not even stronger advocates for energy efficiency. It really boggles my mind.
I'm curious, Minister: Can you share with us the details of our government's latest electricity strategy and the plan to retrofit one million Canadian homes?
Liberal
Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON
Thank you.
That is really important because, as you mentioned, energy efficiency is good for affordability and good for the environment. It's one of the strongest double wins, if I could name one.
What we have in the electricity strategy is a commitment to help retrofit up to a million homes. That's in consultation as to exactly how it rolls out, but one of the important parts is the expansion of the oil to heat pump program to allow people who rely on propane and electric baseboard heating to have access to that program. We know that will expand coverage across our country and help Canadians reduce their energy bills. In fact, when we look at the electricity strategy as a whole, we anticipate that 70% of Canadians will see—we call this “energy wallets” but, really, it's energy savings—reductions in their energy costs because of this electricity strategy.
If I can add this, though, just because there's one piece.... It's a visuals thing. I was out for an announcement last week in coastal B.C. on the creation of a national marine conservation area reserve. I was in a small town up there, and there were heat pumps on those homes. Those are the kinds of things that people see are supporting energy efficiency and supporting the protection of the environment. I'll notice it very boldly too when I go to Atlantic Canada, quite frankly. The oil to heat pump program has had a massive impact in switching people over to a form that's going to reduce their energy bills.
Liberal
Eric St-Pierre Liberal Honoré-Mercier, QC
Thank you, Minister.
I'll pass the rest of my time to my colleague, Bruce Fanjoy.
Liberal
Bruce Fanjoy Liberal Carleton, ON
Thank you, Minister.
I'd also like to talk about the electricity strategy. I think we have a “great news” story. The sector has reduced greenhouse gas emissions very substantially. The wins are not just about increasing affordability and achieving climate objectives but also about growing the economy with high-quality new jobs for Canadians and improving the competitiveness of our industries. Could you please elaborate on some of those additional benefits from the good work that we're doing in electricity, please?
Liberal
Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON
Thank you.
One of the parts we were proudest of—and there were many—when we put out this electricity strategy was the fact that we stood alongside the leaders for electrical workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who recognized that the electricity strategy also meant good union jobs, well-paying careers in building our electricity grid.
In our spring economic update, we have additional supports not just to help people to get trained and get into the Red Seal trades but to help them through the apprenticeships and the completion of the apprenticeship. This is helping Canadians right through the process to get certification so that they can be part of building Canada and get these well-paying jobs. It's a really important part of the entire project.
We're in this important moment for our country. We're going to double our electrical grid. At the same time, it creates great-paying jobs, and Canadians get to be part of building this important infrastructure for our country.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shannon Miedema
Thank you very much, Mr. Fanjoy.
We still have nine minutes remaining, so the proposal is for two and a half minutes per party for a quick third round. If there is no objection, that's how we'll proceed.
Conservative
Branden Leslie Conservative Portage—Lisgar, MB
What about three minutes? Three times three equals nine.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Shannon Miedema
Three minutes per...? I have 11:51. Okay, we'll do three minutes per party.
We start with Mr. Ross.
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Thank you, Madam Chair.
To the minister, the news so far is about major project development in terms of fast-tracking and even pre-approvals. However, in terms of the actual environmental certificate that will be issued for a major project, which agency will be issuing the certificate?
Liberal
Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON
There are different.... It depends on how a project moves forward through the system, so—
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Let's be more specific, then. Say it's designated under the Major Projects Office for fast approval or pre-approval. Will the Major Projects Office issue the environmental certificate?
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
The Canadian Impact Assessment Agency will issue this certificate.
Terence Hubbard President, Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
For those projects designated under Bill C-5, it would be the minister responsible for one Canadian economy who would issue those decision statements.
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
Does that mean that it's not the environment minister?
Liberal
Conservative
Liberal
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
In that respect then, your ministry will basically not be the lead in environmental assessments. You will provide assistance, and that will be it.
Liberal
Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON
That's incorrect. We do the environmental assessments. That absolutely remains part of the work that we do.
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
You will not issue the certificate to the building Canada....
Liberal
Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON
We do the environmental assessment. That's how, by the way, it works even today. We provide the environmental assessment.
Conservative
Ellis Ross Conservative Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC
I understand that, but the Major Projects Office for pre-approval or fast approval will be the lead. It won't be your ministry that will issue the certificate.
Liberal
Julie Dabrusin Liberal Toronto—Danforth, ON
Maybe take one step back. What we're doing and the work that's happening through the Impact Assessment Agency, for example, is through co-operation agreements, which is where the vast majority of projects will be. We have co-operation agreements with almost all the provinces now. It's one project, one review. That's where the vast majority—