Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to comment on the question put forward by the hon. member for Davenport who is very knowledgeable in this area and has chaired the environment committee for quite some time. He certainly has provided much information that needs to be reviewed and digested.
It is also fair to say that in the past many direct government subsidies have been eliminated. In 1995 the government ended the direct financial support for energy megaprojects. At the same time the Government of Canada increased spending on energy efficiency and alternative energy programs despite the fiscal pressures with which it was faced.
It is also true that spending on R and D and market development programs in renewable energy and energy efficiency at NRCan now exceeds spending on the fossil fuel industry. In addition, the 1998 budget provided $150 million over three years to begin to address the climate change challenge.
The hon. member for Davenport made reference to renewables versus non-renewables. It was the 1998 budget in which the government moved to narrow the gap between renewables and non-renewables by extending the benefits and the $150 million.
We have a process in place today where we need to balance the creation of a strong economy and jobs with protecting the environment. There is certainly a consultative process in place now which ensures that all Canadians, particularly the member for Davenport, will have the opportunity to take part in the development of that strategy. We certainly look forward to the very valuable input that he will provide in that strategy.