Greg Rickford

[Natural Resources, June 18th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our decision is based on the conclusions of an independent science and fact-based review panel.

We have imposed 209 stringent conditions to ensure this project meets the highest safety standards. The panel heard from nearly 1,500 participants in 21 communities and reviewed more than 175,000 pages of evidence. The proponent clearly has said that there is more work to do with communities along this route.

[Natural Resources, June 18th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we made our decision based on the findings of an independent scientific review panel. We imposed 209 conditions to ensure that this project meets high safety standards. The panel listened to almost 1,500 participants from 21 communities and reviewed close to 175,000 pages of evidence. The developer will have more work to do, but will not have to hold consultations with communities.

[Natural Resources, June 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, I am not sure I caught a question there, but I appreciate the point the member tried to make obviously in principle about shipping western Canadian oil to eastern Canada as a possibility. We will leave it to the independent National Energy Board to undertake a thorough scientific review of such a project. We are going to rely on science and facts, not ideology, in making decisions on energy infrastructure projects. That is why we will wait for the open and transparent review process rather than jump to conclusions.

[Asbestos, June 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, our government will not oppose the listing of chrysotile at Rotterdam. Economic action plan 2013 supports the economic diversification efforts of the communities of Thetford Mines and Asbestos. Resource management is the responsibility of the province.

[Natural Resources, June 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, first nations have and will continue to make important contributions as a full partner in the development of our natural resources. In fact, the natural resources sector is the largest private employer of first nations and people in Canada. The success of this sector depends on their full participation, from environmental stewardship to the economic benefits of responsible resource development.

[Natural Resources, June 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we are carefully reviewing this report, and a decision will be forthcoming. Projects will only be approved if they are safe for Canadians and safe for the environment.

While we are on the topic of reports, let us talk about the report from the Board of Internal Economy. That report has one recommendation: that the NDP pay back the $1.17 million it took from taxpayers. It is time for the NDP to pay it back.

[Natural Resources, June 17th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we are carefully reviewing this report and a decision will be made shortly. Projects will be approved only if they are safe for Canadians and safe for the environment.

Speaking of reports, let us talk about the report from the Board of Internal Economy, which had but one recommendation: that the NDP pay back the $1.7 million it took from taxpayers. It is time for the NDP to pay it back.

[Natural Resources, June 16th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, there have been tough questions today, particularly this one. I want to thank the member for Peterborough for that timely question.

Last week I promoted Canada as a reliable and safe energy partner at the North American Energy Summit, and in fact I pre-empted that in Rome.

Recent international events remind us that Canada has an important role to play in assisting our partners, countries around the world, in achieving energy security. Our energy products will remain a significant part of the global energy mix.

Our government remains committed to responsible resource development.

I thank my peer for that important question.

[Natural Resources, June 16th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, the joint review panel has submitted its recommendation to the government. Projects will only be approved if they are safe for Canadians and safe for the environment. We are carefully reviewing this recommendation and a response will be forthcoming.

[Natural Resources, June 16th, 2014]

Mr. Speaker, we have received the report by Mr. Eyford. We appreciate its recommendations and we have already acted on two of them. They have been very well received by first nations leadership.

Obviously, there are elements here of world-class and world-leading liability regimes, safety preparedness and spill response, and a very remote chance that would even occur. With more than 73,000 kilometres of pipeline in Canada and a 99.999% safety record, we are confident that record and Mr. Eyford's suggestions will help build the kind of framework for us to move forward with respect to transportation of our energy products.