Mr. Speaker, after the Liberals failed to take any action on the environment for 13 years, with full support from the Bloc Québécois, and considering the Bloc's recent speeches on the environment, I have to wonder if the federal Bloc members wish to defend the environment or are simply seeking opportunities to play partisan politics. I question the Bloc's genuine desire to fight climate change.
Can someone explain to me how the leader of the Bloc Québécois proposes to legislate air quality, yet he refuses to support our bill on air quality, which puts some teeth into our environmental policy?
The new Conservative government will be the first to regulate emissions, and not just impose voluntary restrictions, like the Liberals.
We are tackling a major problem. What we do not need are empty promises that simply look good. Rather, we need realistic timelines.
It is unrealistic and illusory to think that shorter timelines will be practical and give results. The new regulations that will take effect in 2010 and the financial penalties imposed on violators are proof of the effectiveness of our commitment.
It is deplorable that the Bloc Québécois is playing partisan politics on an issue that is the most—