Natural Resources committee  Today, they'll be held liable and then taken to court and sued by those who suffer damages.

Natural Resources committee  The absolute liability limit today without proof or fault or negligence would be $30 million in the Atlantic and $40 million in the north.

Natural Resources committee  It will go to $1 billion.

Natural Resources committee  Not applicable under this legislation.

Natural Resources committee  Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Quebec.

Natural Resources committee  That's a good question as well. When the government establishes its regulatory regime, I think it's always careful to ensure that it's protecting the environment, to ensure that safety is of primary interest, but at the same time recognizes that there's an economic aspect and an economic development component that has to be managed as well.

Natural Resources committee  Sure. The legislation provides for the requirement of a $100 million deposit per project. There are four in Newfoundland and Labrador and there are two in Nova Scotia. There will be other projects that get under way as they move, potentially, to exploratory stages. In each instance the primary operator needs to register a deposit.

Natural Resources committee  Yes.

Natural Resources committee  No.

Natural Resources committee  Yes.

Natural Resources committee  No.

Natural Resources committee  There's a moratorium on offshore development in British Columbia.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you very much for the question. It's a very good question in the sense that, when one is establishing the limits for things such as liability, there are a number of factors to take into account. In doing so the department looked very carefully at the offshore regime in Canada and in other countries with respect to liability provisions.

Natural Resources committee  Yes, indeed. Thank you very much for the opportunity to be here this morning and to discuss the elements of Bill C-22. There is a presentation that's been distributed by the clerk in French and English. You can have it in the language of your choice. Let me begin by appreciating the chance to come and speak to you about the bill and hopefully be able to answer the questions you may have, and to be followed by other stakeholders later today.

Natural Resources committee  The other part that I think we want to be clear with is that the government doesn't direct the NEB in any way. The NEB is an independent regulator. There's an act of Parliament that spells out how the NEB functions. It has a regulatory set of protocols and guidelines. The government doesn't direct the NEB.