I hope your afternoon is starting out well.
In the minister's presentation, he mentioned that no project would proceed in Canada unless and until a thorough and independent review had demonstrated it to be safe for the public and the environment. He also said that the department had stepped up its efforts to enhance our world-class marine safety systems.
I have a question about aboriginal engagement.
An environmental assessment is under way for the Arnaud mining project near Sept-Îles. My constituents, including the Innu communities of Uashat and Maliotenam, strongly oppose the project. Do you intend to require the developer to prepare a detailed characterization of the bay in Sept-Îles, which will be the receiving environment for thousands of tons of contaminants produced by the mine?
As you know, navigable waters are under federal jurisdiction and must be protected from pollution resulting from extractive activities. The health of our citizens and the survival of our marine ecosystem are at stake.