Mr. Chairman, mention has been made of sending committee members to visit tar sands operations. We've long known how the extraction process works. It's no mystery. In my view, there are far more important matters to attend to, not the least of which are the problems associated with methane gas terminals that will be located along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. We need to examine security issues surrounding these terminals. We're currently waging a war on terrorism, but we've never really determined whether such terminals should be constructed or not. They could prove to be very dangerous indeed.
Therefore, it's far more important for a committee like ours to examine different and alternative energy sources. Boston and Marseilles have both encountered security problems with their methane gas terminals. We need to know what we're dealing with here. I agree with my colleague that an energy management plan would shed light on various energy sources. Consequently, there would be no need for us to visit all of these facilities.
Moreover, some major studies were undertaken during the 37th Parliament. The committee should also focus on the exploration of the seabed, particularly in the St. Lawrence where gas and oil reserves have been found. Any activities undertaken should be respectful of the environment. However, it remains to be seen to what extent that is possible.
Another source of energy in Canada, one about which little is known, is geothermal energy. This energy source has not been exploited very much and in my opinion, that needs to change. We're talking about a potential energy gold mine. The proper development of this alternative energy source warrants further study so that hopefully by the end of our mandate, we have some idea of output capacity across Canada.
And finally, Bill C-4 which was tabled during the 37th Parliament, calls for the establishment of a foundation to oversee financing and technological support for sustainable development. To my mind, sustainable development is a key consideration when it comes to energy. It determines whether a particularly energy source is of interest or not. We need a status report on the work of the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology, which was set up in 2002. It's important that we focus on these topics and that we continue to carry out interesting studies on renewable energy sources, particularly those of concern to the High Arctic.