House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2015, with 43% of the vote.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, Natural Resources Canada complies with the communication policy of the Government of Canada and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.
This policy seeks to ensure that communications from the entire Government of Canada are well coordinated, effectively managed and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. This policy is the same for all departmental spokespersons at Natural Resources Canada, and for the entire Government of Canada.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, as I said, the government has committed to balancing the budget by 2015-16.
The savings measures are based on the assurance that Canadians will receive superior value and that our programs, especially grants and contributions, will remain affordable while improving the efficiency of internal operations and services.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, there are four areas in which we are making savings.
We are streamlining administrative support to ensure the sustainability of and make internal savings at Natural Resources Canada.
The savings are related to the use, management and dissemination of information and knowledge; travel; vehicle fleets; programs; services and administrative costs; organizational changes, focusing on core roles and organizing government priorities; focusing on more economically advantageous work and adapting to the industry's changing circumstances—
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chairman, 42% of NRCan's indeterminate employees were occupying scientific or technical positions before the implementation of savings measures under budget 2012. After the resulting workforce adjustments, 43% of NRCan's indeterminate employees are occupying scientific or technical positions, so that is an increase in percentage.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chairman, Natural Resources Canada is proud of its scientists. We encourage scientists to share their findings and to share their findings with interested parties, by publishing articles and by conducting interviews with the media. In 2012, Natural Resources Canada scientists provided approximately 550 interviews with reporters to discuss scientific results and findings.
On average, every year, scientists publish approximately 500 peer-reviewed articles, while—
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, as reflected in the main estimates, $5 million is dedicated to increasing the inspections for pipelines from 100 to 150, and to the doubling of the amount of annual audits. Almost $600,000 is allocated for heightened public awareness of pipeline safety.
It is important that Canadians know how to work around pipelines so that both pipelines and the people involved are safe. We welcome initiatives such as the “call before you dig” initiative that will further improve pipeline safety and public safety.
Our government has taken action to prevent pipeline accidents and to improve our ability to respond to any incidents that do occur.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, funding to the NEB ensures that there is a clear and robust regulatory oversight mechanism throughout the life cycle of the facilities and activities it regulates. For example, in comparison to 2012-13, the 2013-14 main estimates have increased, primarily due to an increase of $5.6 million for pipeline safety and awareness.
The National Energy Board is a strong independent regulator of pipeline safety. The NEB subjects pipeline development proposals to an extensive review process, taking into account pipeline safety, protection of the environment and the public. Regulated pipelines boasted a safety record, as I said, of 99.9996% of the crude oil and petroleum products that were transported.
I have full confidence that pipeline companies will continue to ensure that pipelines meet the NEB's strict safety standards.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, of course our government supports in principle the idea of a pipeline to the east. It would bring lower cost Canadian crude to consumers, and to refineries in Quebec, Lévis and Montreal, and Atlantic Canada, at the Irving refinery in Saint John. Pipelines to eastern Canada would create new jobs and economic growth across the country, particularly in Atlantic Canada.
With respect to the member's question about taking products to deep water, we currently export 80 million tonnes of oil off our east and west coasts every year. In fact, on any given day there are 180 vessels of over 500 tonnes that operate within our waters under Canadian jurisdiction. We welcome all proposals to further diversify our resources.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Technology, Mr. Chair, is obviously improving and so the safety record is improving as well. However, we can get whiplash from following NDP contradictions on pipelines and the oil sands. The New Democrats claim to support resource development, but oppose it at every turn. They oppose pipelines going south, west and east. They are opposing the most recent going east. Before they seemed to be on side. Today at a meeting of the natural resources committee, we heard from a member of the NDP that they were in favour of the number 9 line, but the leader of the party is against it. I do not really know where they stand and I am not sure they do either.
BUSINESS OF SUPPLY May 21st, 2013
Mr. Chair, as I said, the safety record for pipelines in our country is 99.9996%. That is a fact and no matter how many times we hear criticism on the other side the fact remains.
However, we will do everything we can to ensure that this number actually decreases. The ultimate objective is that there are no serious pipeline incidents.