No, Mr. Chair.
Members of the committee, I have to apologize. We were having a session in the Centre Block which I was chairing, and I left before it was over. I apologize for being late to committee for clause-by-clause consideration of this bill and my specific amendments. Quite honestly, I didn't get here in time to hear the official's explanation.
The reason we've brought forward this amendment is based on evidence that the committee has heard, particularly from Ecojustice, that by exempting the effects of spill dispersers that are used in response to an environmental emergency, we can actually have other environmental damage. It was the lawyer for Ecojustice, Will Amos, who expressed the concern about the elimination of the relief from liability of the dumping of these particular toxic chemicals.
I understand how they're treated in the bill, and I understand the rationale behind it; however, the reality is that spill-dispersing agents are also toxic chemicals that can have negative impacts on the marine environment. Even though their purpose is to avoid environmental damage, they can in fact add to it. It's a question of exemption from liability. The Green Party is recommending, based on the evidence that the committee has heard, and through my first amendment, that we remove the exemption for spill-treating agents.
Thank you for the opportunity to speak to it.