Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to respond to the hon. member for Davenport who is held in such high regard by many in the House, given his interest and expertise in areas concerning the environment.
As the Minister of Finance indicated to the House on March 26, the government initiated work on a baseline study of taxes, grants and subsidies in 1994. At that time the government established the task force on economic instruments and disincentives to sound environmental practices which made recommendations.
The 1994 budget announced measures to encourage energy conservation and encourage contributions to mine reclamation funds. The 1995 budget announced measures to encourage charitable donations of ecologically sensitive land. The 1996 budget announced tax changes which establish an essentially level playing field between certain renewable and non-renewable energy investments.
The 1996 budget also indicated the government's intention to consult on tax and other measures to improve the treatment of energy efficiency investments and on the feasibility of extending the tax treatment of mine reclamation trust funds to other sectors such as waste disposal sites and reforestation.
In addition, Technology Partnerships Canada, launched in the recent budget, will encourage the development and commercialization of environmental technologies in partnership with the private sector.
As the Minister of Finance indicated to the House on March 26, the government is actively reviewing the proposals of the standingcommittee concerning further work on the baseline study and will be reporting shortly on how it intends to continue the important work which has been initiated
The government also appreciates the work of the standing committee, its chairman and all members of the House on this important matter.
On a personal note, I hope this will be before the year 2000.