Natural Resources Committee on Jan. 31st, 2022

[Viviane LaPointe, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

In your opinion, in what manner should industry, levels of government, and labour work together to create efficiencies and measurable results?

[Brent Lakeman]

You need to look at mechanisms that bring different groups together, including indigenous communities. Again, our Edmonton region hydrogen hub is a coalition of two of our indigenous first nations—the leadership, the chiefs, of those nations—and the mayors finding ways to engage industry, in some cases the willing industries, the ones that really want to be part of the solution.

We look at that coordinated approach, which might be different from what it has been in the past, when we would get into very transactional situations. We look at the overall longer-term approach that can be taken by working together with industry across different parts of the economy—again, not just in terms of production but on the use side as well. Our industry associations in the transportation sector, for example, are pursuing some truck pilots using hydrogen.

It requires an approach that is different from the traditional one, which was focused only on the production side, and that instead looks at production and use and infrastructure.

[Viviane LaPointe, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

My next question is for Mr. Green. Are there steps that can be taken in the short term that will have continued positive impact on the outcomes we're seeking to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector?

[Tom L. Green]

Canada's 2025 methane regulation target is not likely to be met, because the regulations are looking as though they're going to come in at 29% reduction rather than the 40% to 45% that was aimed for, so there's a regulatory review process under way. Making sure that it is carried out well and that changes to regulations are made is a critical role.

The fact that intake three of this program is focused on projects that eliminate routine venting means this could be a very productive short-term opportunity.

[Viviane LaPointe, Liberal, Sudbury, ON]

I would like to ask you the question as well about different approaches the government can take to develop effective and innovative policies.

[Tom L. Green]

That's a very big question to answer in 30 seconds. One thing we have to look at, from a holistic perspective, is where the government should be putting its money, and I would agree with my colleagues from Environmental Defence. The main investment should be moving us away from fossil fuels, and we should be investing in renewables and energy efficiency and helping Canadians have a better quality of life through buildings that are not as drafty and that don't have indoor gas stoves, for instance, which are known to cause health problems.

[The Chair, Liberal, John Aldag]

Unfortunately for us, this ends the time we have together today. We're at 5:29—

[Mario Simard, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

Mr. Chair, forgive me for interrupting, but could we continue with the meeting?

I would like to ask a brief question. Also, I'd like to leave two minutes for Mr. Angus to speak.

[The Chair, Liberal, John Aldag]

You're up next, and if you can wind up in one minute, sure, you can have one question and—

[Mario Simard, Bloc, Jonquière, QC]

I will be brief, Mr. Chair.

My question is for all the witnesses.

If you had a recommendation for the minister, would you agree with me that the third enrolment period for the Emissions Reduction Fund Onshore Program should simply be deferred?

Mr. Pineau, Mr. Marshall, Mr. Lakeman, Mr. Green and Ms. Levin, you may simply answer yes or no.

[Pierre-Olivier Pineau]

Yes!

[Dale Marshall]

Yes, and there should be stronger regulations.

[Tom L. Green]

It's a little more complicated than that. I think it depends. Personally, I think regulations are needed. Otherwise, it might be worthwhile.

[Julia Levin]

This is a fossil fuel subsidy, and the government's committed to eliminating those.

[The Chair, Liberal, John Aldag]

We're now at our time.

I want to conclude by thanking each of the witnesses for this panel.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

I have a point of order.

[The Chair, Liberal, John Aldag]

Let me finish up, Mr. Angus. I'll come back to you.

Thank you to Monsieur Pineau, Mr. Green, Mr. Lakeman, Ms. Levin and Mr. Marshall.

I want to mention that on Wednesday, we'll be meeting with Minister Wilkinson and government officials in the first hour, and then additional witnesses for the second hour. That will be the end of this study, and then we'll have drafting instructions as soon after that as we can.

On Monday, February 7, we'll start with our next order, which is a study of the greenhouse gas emissions cap for the oil and gas sector. Witnesses are currently being confirmed for that.

Mr. Angus, it's over to you for your point of order.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Thank you, Chair.

Thanks to all our excellent witnesses. This is a fascinating study.

I asked if we could get from the environment commissioner the list of the companies that received funding. Given that we are being told that this was a financial aid to help struggling companies, it's really important that we know exactly who got the money.

[The Chair, Liberal, John Aldag]

Okay. I'll follow up with the clerk on that.

[Charlie Angus, NDP, Timmins—James Bay, ON]

Thank you.

[The Chair, Liberal, John Aldag]

With that, we're at 5:30.

Thanks, everybody, for your time today.

The meeting is adjourned.