Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to present a petition on behalf of my constituents and those living in the riding of my hon. colleague, the member for Vancouver Quadra.
This petition is signed by a group of scientists and academic experts on the west coast who are concerned about legislative proposals put forward by the government. They encourage the government, in particular, to ensure the highest standards of environmental assessment and review for all legislation, including Bill C-39. The petitioners call for the highest standards of governance to be ensured so that protections and safeguards for Canada's democratic processes and decision-making will be preserved in the future. The petitioners, as experts on the natural environment and our economy, also call on the government to reject any false distinction between supporting the economy and the environment, because both can be done at once.