Mr. Speaker, our society must face many environmental problems such as smog and climate changes. After playing a key role during the Earth Summit held in Rio in 1992, the Canadian government's attitude progressively deteriorated as regards these challenges.
In Cartagena, in February 1999, Canada, along with four other states, opposed the adoption of a strict biosafety protocol. The same thing happened at a meeting held in January, and again in Nairobi, a few days ago. A UN spokesperson even said that it was the first time in 20 years that environmental negotiations led to such a complete rout.
In this environment week, it is deplorable that Canada refuses to sign that protocol, which would establish a set of international rules to regulate the transborder movement of living genetically modified organisms.
Once again, the nice rhetoric of the Minister of the Environment does not result in concrete action.