Yes. I'm just clarifying, because sometimes we hear calls like, “There are already programs, so why do we need more?” However, those programs don't serve all kids across Canada. Having the federal investment is certainly going to amplify their capacity to serve more children.
Mr. Elgie, I have limited time, so I'm going to you on the Impact Assessment Act.
Thank you for your testimony today. I appreciated your comments.
My understanding is that Chief Justice Wagner—not to be confused with the famous German composer—talked about co-operative federalism in his ruling and really put emphasis on the federal government and Parliament working with provincial jurisdictions. We've seen provincial jurisdictions push back and challenge the Impact Assessment Act. I think, at this point, clearly defining what's within federal and provincial jurisdiction seems to be at the heart of it.
I think you're saying that the federal government's approach right now is overly cautious. Do you think this is merited, given the fact that there are quite a number of projects in the pipeline, and there's a need for certainty and credibility for that process to continue? I want to put that to you—whether you think it's fair for the federal government to take a bit more of a cautious approach at this moment and then come back through provincial consultation and perhaps add.... I think what you're saying, which I tend to agree with, is that air pollution and GHG emissions should be included in the Impact Assessment Act.
Do you think now is the right time to do that, when so many things hang in the balance? With the Supreme Court decision striking this down, it seems as if we need to patch it up and get it under way again, and then—with the right amount of consultation and engagement with provinces and territories—really come to terms with this once and for all, so we don't have this constant constitutional challenge problem when it comes to impact assessments.