Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Minister, thank you for coming here this morning to answer our questions. I'm somewhat taking advantage of the comments made by my Liberal colleague to tell you that the Bloc québécois does not really share your opinion that nuclear energy is clean energy. You also referred to the advantages, but you completely disregard the disadvantages. When you present an idea that you believe in, you should be frank and inform the Quebec and Canadian public of the advantages and disadvantages it entails.
As you know, the entire question of waste management is one of the disadvantages. We've had discussions, but you told me that we would be debating this for another 30 years. The fact remains that the debate on this subject is not over. Among other things, we have to see where the waste would be buried. The idea of promoting a form of energy that will spread around the world and the quantity of waste from which will consequently increase, when we don't yet know where it will be buried, is quite surprising.
I agree with you that choosing nuclear energy is a decision for the provinces. However, the effect of that choice by the provinces is that the federal government will have work to do on waste management and safety. I believe it can be said that, by making that choice, a province would be choosing to share responsibilities with the federal government and thus with Canadian taxpayers as a whole.
I believe we will have opportunities to debate this, minister. The matter is not over. It is somewhat unfortunate that we have to use a forum such as the study of this bill to address the subject with you. I agree with the Liberal member that it would be more appropriate, before accepting the invitation sent to you, to take part in the negotiations in the context of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership, to clearly debate the conditions of that agreement and the implications for Canada of belonging to it. Among other things, if waste must be recovered from around the world to be buried in Canada, on the ground that we are the primary producers and exporters of uranium, I can tell you that we will not agree. There is a kind of lack of transparency and debate in this matter.
Furthermore, you are quite silent these days about nuclear energy. I don't know whether you've been kindly asked to be discreet on the topic, but we hear less from you. There must be a reason for that. That concludes what I had to tell you about nuclear energy, minister.
Now I'm going to move on the Bill C-5. For the questions that are somewhat more specific, your deputy ministers may perhaps be able to help you.
Could you explain to me what the premium is for an operator that must carry coverage of $650 million? I'm particularly interested in that because, back home in Quebec, the Gentilly station belongs to Hydro-Quebec, thus to Quebec taxpayers. Does increasing insurance, and thus premiums, mean that, as a taxpayer, I'm going to receive a bill for the cost of that premium?
I'd also really like you to clarify the principle of reciprocity between countries. In the context of a negotiation with a country, what does this concept included in the bill mean for Canada in concrete terms? I find it hard to understand. I also want to know why you're limiting the guarantees to 50%? From what I understand, Hydro-Quebec will have to guarantee premiums up to $325 million, which represents 50% of the $650 million.
My last question concerns the claims tribunal. Will it operate only in the event of accidents, or will it be a permanent structure for which we will have to pay operating costs, and make appointments and so on?