Evidence of meeting #28 for Government Operations and Estimates in the 41st Parliament, 2nd session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was certification.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Acquisitions Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
I don't believe so. We received one just a few weeks ago, but we'll be able to provide.... They do an audit for each of the areas of our business.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
Thank you, Mr. Woodworth.
You are out of time.
Did you want to clarify something, Mr. Sobrino?
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Acquisitions Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
Yes. I have obtained an answer to the question about the term “genetic engineering”.
So I'm just going to read a definition. It may lead to future questions. “'Genetic Engineering' refers to a technique by which the genetic material of an organism is changed in a way that does not occur naturally”. Genetic modification can occur naturally, such as cross-pollination of apples, or different products. So we are working on the genetic engineering side and not on the genetic modification side.
Liberal
Wayne Easter Liberal Malpeque, PE
I think it more relates to the movement of genes and stuff like that, rather than natural breeding.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
Thank you, Mr. Easter.
I would also like to ask a question. I have a specific concern that has already been expressed by some of the committee members, although I'm no longer sure who.
If the standards are so specific, any changes made to them may lead to significant costs for companies. They have to change their methods to comply with the new standards.
Yet, as you said—and that partially answers the question—the fact that these standards are based on performance somewhat alleviates those concerns. The important thing is that the performance aspect is respected.
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Acquisitions Branch, Department of Public Works and Government Services
When we decide to change a standard, we do so in consultation with the industry and other stakeholders through technical committees. A change made to a standard has a significant impact. It has a lot of repercussions, especially on the costs involved. We have to establish a standard that meets the needs of everyone around the table, including the industry. Ultimately, any changes made to standards are accepted by the industry.
The goal is not to change the standards, but to ensure that they are clear and specific. That's a matter of balance. We have to ensure that everyone understands that the standard is designed or modified in order to achieve the desired results.
NDP
The Chair NDP Pierre-Luc Dusseault
Thank you.
This concludes our meeting. I am sure this discussion has helped most of the committee members better understand the role you play in the development of some Canadian standards. Thank you once again for joining us this morning and for sharing this time with the committee.
As for the members, we will meet again next Tuesday.
The meeting is adjourned.