Peter Kent on Business of Supply

In the House of Commons on May 15th, 2012. See this statement in context.

Environment—Main Estimates, 2012-13Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

May 16th, 2012 / 1 a.m.

Conservative

Peter Kent Conservative Thornhill, ON

Mr. Chair, I can give my colleague an approximate number. The total number of events, spills or releases of pollutants was approximately 1,500.

Here is the exact number. In 2010-11, there were 1,050 pollution incidents to which Environment Canada provided technical support. Of these events, though, Environment Canada personnel attended only approximately 10%.

I remind my colleague that Environment Canada staffers are not first responders. They very seldom attend unless there is a compelling reason, either in the magnitude of the event or in the scientific complexity, that requires their on-location presence.

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