This amendment removes the $1 billion absolute liability cap and implements unlimited liability. This is in accordance with the polluter pays principle and demonstrates some fiscal responsibility in making sure that Canadian taxpayers do not have to pay should an accident happen. Of course, we heard a number of remarks in connection with this matter during the various testimonies. Ms. McClenaghan specifically said the following:
...the amount of $1 billion is far too low to provide assurance of the ability to adequately compensate victims of a severe accident in both the offshore oil and gas as well as the nuclear energy sectors.
During the study, we found out that, although the $1 billion amount could cover certain accident scenarios, in other cases it was possible that it would not cover the damages caused by an accident. The officials even admitted it. That is why I believe that it would be more prudent to remove the $1 billion absolute liability cap and make liability unlimited.