Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment recently announced a five-part action plan that will help to accelerate
Environment Canada's greening initiatives and save money.
One of the most significant changes resulting from this plan is the introduction of the green procurement policy to help ensure environmentally responsible purchasing. The procurement policy directs employees to use ecologo products or those that exceed the environmental choice program and to use products that have been recycled or can be recycled.
This policy also calls for the avoidance of products containing resources from environmentally sensitive areas. Personnel will also avoid acquiring over-packaged products and, wherever feasible, require suppliers to take back excess packaging for reuse and recycling.
In addition to saving the environment and money, the initiative helps to develop Canadian environmental industries, thereby creating jobs, stimulating the economy and improving our international competitiveness.
Many departments have already taken impressive steps in this direction.