This committee is chaired by the base commander. The committee includes representatives from the military base, representatives from the City of Quebec—because a small portion of the contamination affected its territory—the mayor or a representative from the City of Shannon, representatives from the citizens' group and environmental organizations, as well as representatives from the Regional Environment Council, the Ministry of the Environment, Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks in Quebec, and Environment and Climate Change Canada. It's diverse. It's an important committee.
There is collaboration, but you understand that we meet twice a year. So this committee isn't ideal. It's a good committee, but as for the day-to-day work it does, I can't answer that question. I assume they have a standing committee. I receive data, year in and year out.
I told you that last year we had a foam spill, I believe, from a river water treatment plant. We found out about it because a resident came to ask us for a key to open a gate. When I told you that this isn't effective and isn't agile, that's a good example. Had it been kept from us? I don't think so, because it was in the river and someone had come to ask us for the key to open the boat ramp. However, when I was asked for it, I wasn't aware that there had been a spill. I didn't know what was in the river. So I had to call people and do some research to find the answer. It's frustrating, for a city like ours, to have to chase after information.
Every time this happens—and I want to say this with all my heart—it adds to our anxiety. We wonder if there's co-operation or if things are being kept from us. Every time citizens see this, it always comes back to the same trauma. Are we safe? I believe we are, but every time, this relationship and trust are undermined. It's serious to do that.
We must avoid these situations if we want to work together. I told you it wasn't perfect—it's far from perfect—but national defence needs to improve its relations. I know the department faces many challenges, but these people live in our cities, they are our neighbours, they have social responsibilities, and they must fulfill them just as they ensure Canada's security. Both of these matters are equally important.