I know there is very little time that rests with us. The rules are that we have five minutes per clause. We appreciate that we are getting a few extra minutes, but generally, this process is one that I think not only disappoints us, but it frustrates Canadians.
We're disappointed that the government hasn't pursued these environmental changes through more democratic channels, such as the relevant standing committees, which would be the normal process, where members could have met with the experts, scientists, stakeholders, and others about all these proposed changes. The subcommittee had barely 12 hours on four consecutive days to review and assess major changes affecting 69 statutes, including a repeal of key legislation.
The entire Canadian Environmental Assessment Act was repealed and a new act has been introduced in a single clause, clause 52, which we are debating now, which runs 63 pages. In fact, page 152 of the bill is devoted to dismantling and rewriting key environmental laws in Canada. It has not undergone proper scrutiny. It's not going to have the benefit of public consultations. It's impossible to know how Canadians, the environment, and our economy are going to be affected by these changes, because we will not have had the benefit of due process in order to scrutinize these proposals.
My colleague was talking about fish habitat, which is vital to so many of our communities. We talk about strengthening the economy. If we undermine fish habitat, it undermines the economy of so many of our communities, not to mention the environment that we all rely on. It's only through thorough and proper environmental assessment and strong regulations and strong enforcement that we ensure we do not create environmental and financial burdens for future generations.
I just want to get on the record once again how undemocratic it is to include all of these environmental changes in the bill. One-third of this omnibus budget bill is coming through the finance committee, when these changes should more appropriately be before other committees.
While we are making a number of proposed amendments to specific clauses, it is the fundamental process that we object to. I wanted to get that on the record.