Kim Rudd

[Natural Resources, February 22nd, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. friend, the member for Portage—Lisgar, for the opportunity to discuss an issue of such importance to the people of Canada.

This government understands the importance of resources to the strength of our economy and the quality of our lives.

The natural resources industry accounts for 20% of our country's GDP and employ tens of thousands of Canadians in every part of every province. It generates almost two-thirds of investments and exports. Natural resource sectors are also major employers of indigenous Canadians and hold the potential to bring generational change to the prospects and prosperity of those communities.

While Canadians understand the importance of resources to our economy and their own daily lives, they have lost faith in the way we evaluate major projects like pipelines.

This government is committed to doing things differently, to recognizing both the importance of economic growth and the imperative of environmental responsibility. Canadians understand this. They understand the importance of natural resources to our economy. They know that they create jobs and spur investment. However, they have lost faith in the way we assess those projects. They have come to believe that the scales have been tipped too far in one direction.

Our government shares those concerns. That is why we announced a transition process that will help restore the confidence of Canadians. That process is based on five clear principles.

First, no project proponent will have to return to the starting line. Second, decisions will be based on science, traditional indigenous knowledge, and other relevant evidence. Third, the views of the public and affected communities will be sought and considered. Fourth, indigenous peoples will be consulted and, where appropriate, their rights and interests will be accommodated. Fifth, direct and upstream greenhouse gas emissions will be assessed.

Each of these principles is aimed at a common objective, restoring public trust, because little can be achieved without it.

As the Prime Minister has said, “Governments issue permits, but only communities can grant permission.” If we are going to build the infrastructure to move our resources to overseas markets, Canadians need to have confidence in the environmental review process and know that it is fair and open, and guided by science.

The hon. member opposite served in a government that did everything in its power to smooth the way for pipeline construction with very little to show for it. That was because in its rush to try to get pipelines built, it left out the most important factor: public confidence in the process.

Our government has no intention of repeating those mistakes. The process we have set out takes us down a different path, which is the right path, the path of properly weighing environmental concerns, deeply engaging Indigenous communities, and listening to the input of Canadians.

The previous government's record on pipelines is one of failure, frustration, and fear. Our government will engage Canadians in a process where trust is rebuilt, confidence is restored, and progress is made.

[Canada Labour Code, February 16th, 2016]

Madam Speaker, there are people out of work across this country and our hearts go out to them, their families, and their communities, which are also suffering because people do not have jobs. One of the things Liberals recognize is that the labour movement in this country has been critical to our getting to the point we are at as employees, as employers, and as companies. It is about protection, it is about safety, it is about a number of things.

My question is this. At what point does my hon. colleague think this is important?

[The Environment, January 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we have said all along that the NEB itself needs to be modernized and that we need to review the processes. We have put in interim principles to address those projects already in process, and we will work with our other ministries, such as the ministry of Environment and Climate Change and others, to make sure that we have robust protection for Canadians.

[Natural Resources, January 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we have committed to modernizing the NEB and to having a more transparent process.

We understand that Canadians across the country are hurting, and indeed, certain areas more than others, but when any Canadian hurts, we all do. The only way we have a long-term solution to this is to grow the economy, and we will do exactly that.

[Natural Resources, January 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, if we are going to attract investments, we need to sustainably develop our energy resources. Then we have to better engage Canadians, conduct deeper consultations with indigenous peoples, and base decisions on science, facts, and evidence. Without the confidence of Canadians, none of these projects will move forward.

[Natural Resources, January 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we have released five principles to provide clarity and assistance for the interim approach to projects in process. This will allow for further consultation with indigenous peoples, communities, and our provincial and municipal partners.

The minister will be appointing a ministerial representative to facilitate this process and report back to him.

[Natural Resources, January 29th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we know the resource sector is very important to Canadians and our economy.

At this time of low global commodity prices, Canadian families and communities are hurting. The solution is growing our economy and creating good paying jobs. Our interim approach will help do just that. The only way resources will get to new markets is if Canadians have confidence in the review process.

The stakeholders I have spoken to this week welcome the clarity and are committed to being partners in growing our economy.

[Business of Supply, January 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, I want to clarify something. Clearly if you have read our principles you will see that the five principles do apply to other sectors including mining, nuclear, and others. I want that to be very clear.

To correct the record, since the former government had its first and only majority in 2011, there has not been a pipeline approved, so I want that on the record.

My question for the member opposite is, are you suggesting that we do not go through the environmental process, the NEB process, and that we simply rubber-stamp because you would like us to? Are you suggesting that we will not gain public confidence through the process to ensure that the companies like the ones in the member's riding that manufactures pipelines can continue to grow their business and create more jobs in his riding? The only way we can make that happen is if the public has confidence in our processes.

[Business of Supply, January 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we have said that we will not be rushed. Canadians do not want us to be rushed. Canadians do want us to get it right.

We recognize that the resource sector contributes 20% of GDP in this country. It is an extremely important part of our efforts in growing the economy, so we cannot do it at the expense of our environment, something that will be with us for a very long time, we hope.

[Business of Supply, January 28th, 2016]

Mr. Speaker, we have clearly said that Canadians have to have trust in our process. We are adamant that we will not provide any kind of interference in this process.

We completely disagree with the motion in terms of making a predetermination of an outcome before this project has even had hearings or gone through the process. We are not going to interfere, and we will wait for the outcome of this process before having anything further to say.