Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased on the National Capital's Celebration of International Water Day to be
able to rise to inform the House that another red book commitment of the government is being kept. It proves that as a government we mean what we say and we are serious about governing in a new and sustainable way. It is particularly significant on the National Capital's Celebration of International Water Day because water is the basic form of sustenance that each human being needs to live.
Earlier today I wrote to the able chair of the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development to ask that the committee study the ways in which the concept of an environmental auditor general might be instituted to ensure that our government's actions are carried out in a sustainable manner. In doing so the government keeps several of the Prime Minister's commitments. By seeking the advice of the standing committee we recognize in a non-partisan manner the importance of consulting members of Parliament before we introduce legislation. By asking the committee to hold hearings we recognize the importance of consulting Canadians.
[Translation]
In Creating Opportunity , we stated clearly that the environmental agenda can no longer be ignored and that government needs to recognize the fundamental link between a healthy economy and a healthy environment. We said that all government departments need to adopt economic and environmental principles that converge, integrate, are accountable and show leadership.
On February 22 my colleague, the Minister of Finance, kept our first red book promise. He announced a task force of government, industry and non-governmental organizations to carry out a review of the barriers and disincentives that currently exist in the tax system to sound environmental government practices, and to find effective ways to use economic instruments to support sustainable development.
Canadians are justifiably proud to have a Minister of Finance who recognizes that economics and the environment are not competing agendas but complementary realities. I congratulate him and I know that the members of this House feel as I do.
"Creating Opportunity" laid out our plan for an environmental auditor general as the second task of the government's move toward sustainability. That is why I have asked the committee to look at what the focus of an environmental auditor general might be. Members of the committee will consider how an assessment of current government practices and policies and departmental policies and practices should be incorporated into the functions of an environmental auditor general.
I have asked the committee to consider means by which we can achieve our objective properly, keeping in mind the government's commitment to budgetary restraint. In particular, I want to avoid duplication and overlap.
The committee might consider whether we can learn from the experiences of provinces or other countries which have created similar offices.
It is the government's hope that the committee will be able to report to the House of Commons by the end of May.
The point is simple. The government under the leadership of the Prime Minister is determined to place environment at the top of Canada's agenda, determined on this National Capital's Celebration of International Water Day to make our country a leader in sustainable development.
If we are serious then our government must show leadership in getting our own house in order. We cannot expect high standards of others, whether they be business, labour or other countries, unless we impose and demand high standards from ourselves.
I am continually grateful for the serious and non-partisan manner in which all members of this House approach the important environmental issues facing our country.
I am sure it is in that non-partisan spirit that the standing committee will examine the role of an environmental auditor general. I look forward to the wisdom of all the members of the committee and indeed all the members of the House of Commons on this serious initiative which will start the government on the road to putting sustainable development into action, not only by our words but also by our deeds.