Environment committee  Just briefly, by way of process, because you asked how they worked, one of the things that happens is that, for example, on a health issue, the health scientists will prepare information to advise the committee and the members so that the science doesn't necessarily need to be replicated jurisdiction by jurisdiction.

Environment committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. The member's question was directed at both departments, and it provides me with an opportunity to explain my silence today. With respect to enforcement and compliance, the act is fairly clear. Environment does that on behalf of both departments. We express our concerns, and they act on our behalf.

Environment committee  Very briefly, perhaps on a slightly different tack, because of the way this discussion has evolved, I have some points I think are relevant. Dr. Khatter raised this, and I want to come back to it, as it's very relevant to this discussion. First and foremost, it's important to recognize there is not a silver bullet in all this.

Environment committee  At this point in time, both ministers are looking at the results of the categorization exercise and have announced their intention to come forward with a plan to deal with those results. At this point in time, that's advice to the ministers.

Environment committee  It's important to talk a bit about the risk assessment process and how it works, because at the end of the day—I'll fast forward the tape very quickly—the ministers have to convince the Governor in Council. That's the ultimate test.

Environment committee  In order to get on CEPA's schedule 1, the ministers have to convince the Governor in Council. They have to provide enough information that something meets the criteria under CEPA, paragraphs 64(a), (b), or (c): that it harms the environment, that on which life depends, or human health.

Environment committee  Yes.

Environment committee  No, I am not aware of this bill.

Environment committee  I am not sure of the timeframe for this part of the act. However, under this act, either department can provide the information necessary to assist an individual, such as a physician. In fact, the possibility to provide information held by either department is included in the act.

Environment committee  For this application of the act, physicians or groups must identify the reason why they are requesting the information. They should not request it only because thy want this information; they must be asking it for it for a patient.

Environment committee  That is a matter we are still discussing with the ministers at this point in time, as they consider how to respond to that. So it's still an item that is up for some debate internally between the department and the minister's office, about what the appropriate response is as they come forward with their plan.

Environment committee  That was for the Department of Health? The answer is ditto.

Environment committee  I would say that these comments are addressed to both departments. We are now working together to develop an action plan and a communication plan to achieve results under the categorization process.

Environment committee  I believe the question has been answered. This is just to say that while it's not my direct area of responsibility in Health Canada, this is something the department looks at. I believe the response of the witness is consistent with the view of the department in its evaluation, but if it interests the committee, we would be happy to provide additional information through the clerk, if it is felt that the question has not been answered.

Environment committee  On a point of information, Mr. Chairman, because it was brought up, the amendments proposed to CEPA through the Clean Air Act do deal with products and indoor air, so it would allow the department to take a look at products that emit air pollutants. At this point in time, Health Canada issues guidelines on the built environment or indoor air, so when the committee looks at it--I understand it's been referred here--I'm sure that will be part of your debate.