Herb Dhaliwal

[Question No. 122—, April 11th, 2002]

(a) Whether a woodlot owner is considered commercial or non-commercial is determined by the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency, CCRA, on a continuing basis. To help in its determination the CCRA uses the interpretation bulletin IT373R2.

While Natural Resources Canada, through the state of the forest report, does report on the amount of private forest land in each province, it does not distinguish between commercial and non-commercial woodlot owners. However, data is available for the estimated number of woodlot owners by province

b)

1

The number of owners for most provinces are estimates based on estimates by provincial forestry agencies, the Canadian Federation of Woodlot Owners as well as management plan figures and past surveys.

2

One hectare equals 10,000 square metres, or 2.471 acres.

(c) See table above.

(d) That amount is not available. However, as indicated in the 2001 federal budget, facilitating the inter-generational rollovers of commercial woodlot operations that are farming businesses will reduce federal revenues by an estimated $10 million annually.

NOTE: While the questions posed relate to woodlots per se, the questions deal with tax law, policy and revenue, and would be more appropriately addressed by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency and the Department of Finance.

[The Environment, March 13th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, in fact if we examine the program and the $1.5 billion that this government has put forward to deal with climate change, many of those programs talk about alternative fuels, about renewable resources.

In fact, just in the wind energy area we are looking at $260 million to make sure that we take advantage of the opportunities in alternative fuels. We made commitments to the fuel cell as well.

The hon. member should take a closer look at the plan that we have put forward. He will be assured that we have taken action on alternative fuels and on renewable resources as well.

[The Environment, March 13th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the government is looking at having a clear plan. We are working with provincial and territorial governments. We want to make sure that all those factors are taken into consideration.

Of course this is a complex problem. Depending on what assumptions are made we come up with different costs, so we need to make sure we have the facts on the table. We need to make sure that we have all the information so we can make a sound decision on the ratification of Kyoto, but we will do this with the provinces, working with the territories, industry and Canadians. We are committed to doing that.

[Kyoto Protocol, March 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, the government will present a plan to the next ministerial meeting. We are working with the provinces to make sure we have the facts on the table.

I want to assure the hon. member that we will make a decision on Kyoto once we have the facts and a clear plan to make sure that we have looked at all the issues, including some of the issues the hon. member has mentioned, and we will continue to make sure we consult with the provinces, territories and Canadians on this extremely important issue for Canadians.

[Kyoto Protocol, March 11th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, we believe it is extremely important that we have consultations in regard to Kyoto. That has already been started. There are extensive consultations at the provincial-territorial level. There are ongoing consultations with industry as well.

Of course Canadians will also have an opportunity. That has already started so that we get input from Canadians. This was outlined at the last ministerial meeting. We will continue to make sure that stakeholders and Canadians have meaningful input into the Kyoto issue.

[Natural Resources, February 1st, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, this is an important development in the Canadian oil and gas industry. The proposed merger would create the largest oil and gas company in Canada, thereby improving its competitive position globally.

I welcome EnCana's leadership role in representing Canada in world energy markets. Our natural resources are Canada's greatest assets, now and for the future. I am confident EnCana will play an important role in its development and in the global energy business.

[Foreign Affairs, January 29th, 2002]

Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to meet with the Philippine secretary for natural resources and the environment, where we discussed a number of issues, including mining related issues.

On this particular issue we have been informed that Placer Dome mine has spent $50 million U.S. to help with the cleanup. It had 39% ownership. It has now sold this firm to a Philippine company and it has also fulfilled its agreement to make sure that it continues to work on the cleanup, but it is Marcopper that is responsible now.

We expect all Canadian companies to make sure that they take seriously their responsibilities for the environment and be good corporate citizens no matter where they are in the world.

[Fisheries, December 11th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, I must say that this is one of the best questions I have heard in the House for a while.

Protecting our oceans and marine environment for future generations is extremely important. That is why the Government of Canada, the first country in the world to do it, passed the Oceans Act to protect our oceans and marine environment and to create within that legislation marine protected areas.

The government has already designated two marine protected areas and there are eleven in progress to make up the thirteen marine protected areas, including the Sable Gully area which the member has asked about.

[National Security, December 10th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, the government has shown its commitment to the coast guard. Obviously the hon. member is not aware that we committed $115 million to the coast guard in the last budget to make sure it could do its job.

Canadians across the country recognize the good work done by the coast guard. It is unfortunate that that party, every chance it gets, runs down Canadian institutions every time. They should recognize the good work done by the coast guard right across the country.

[National Security, December 10th, 2001]

Mr. Speaker, first, the coast guard is looking at all the opportunities to improve security. This is very important.

I want to remind the hon. member that it is not just the coast guard. It is the military and all the departments that work together to make sure we have security along our border.

With regard to the personnel matter, it would be inappropriate to talk about an individual personnel matter. He knows very well that the person was brought to the committee so he could put forward his views on the coast guard, both here in Ottawa but also when the committee was in British Columbia. We will look at the report of the committee that comes forward.

Security is important and we are looking at all the ways we can deal with security issues.