Mr. Speaker, I want to go on record as saying that the federal government is opposed to bulk water exports.
There are no bulk exports taking place at the present time. The company to which my hon. colleague referred has had its permit revoked. The decision has been appealed to the Ontario environmental appeal board and the hearings are set for early in December.
The cumulative effects of tanker shipments by river or lake diversions are unknown and might be very serious. There might be effects on levels and flows of lakes and rivers. We want to take a cautious approach.
I point out to my hon. friend that this year particularly in parts of Canada one in 40-year droughts are taking place. Ontario is one of those that is suffering greatly at the present time. The levels of the Great Lakes are down, even to the risk of transportation on the seaway.
Considerable progress has been made regarding consultation with provinces on options to deal with this matter. Both federal and provincial governments have a role to play in deciding the outcome. The government will lay out its strategy for a comprehensive approach to water exports later this year. I can assure my hon. friend we will proceed with the utmost caution.