Thank you, Mr. Chair.
First of all, thank you for being here. Before getting into federal politics, I had the opportunity to work at municipal level. I was the mayor of a small village of 750 people for 18 years. I was president of the Union des municipalités du Québec from 1997 to 2000. So I understand your position.
My first question goes to Ms. Irwin of the FCM. I for one want to see the act amended. On the subject of environmental assessments, the FCM text says that, when a project is approved, the assessment can result in significant costs for municipalities. I understand that, but I think that you should mention that, just because the federal government is out of the picture, it does not mean that there will be no environmental assessments. You have other regulations to comply with. In Quebec, for example, you have the environment ministry. Municipalities often have to go through two assessments, one by the province of Quebec and a federal one.
When you produce a document, you cannot send the message that you want to save time and money at the expense of the environment. You have to meet environmental standards. The situation has become very complex. The legislation has been amended and things have been added. But the definition has not been amended, meaning that, for small works, there are huge delays and a good deal of money that has to be spent.
But, just because the federal government is going to get out of the area, it does not mean that you are going to be able to put up all kinds of infrastructure on the banks of your waterways. Cities and provinces have to meet environmental standards. You know Alberta's situation better, but that is the message I would like to hear.