Transport committee  I'll let Keith respond to that, Mr. Chair.

Transport committee  Mr. Chair, I don't know if we can provide that, off the top of our heads. We would be pleased to get back to our colleagues at Navigable Waters Protection Act and provide that information to the committee. We can certainly give generic examples, but I did not come prepared with a specific minor water in B.C.

Transport committee  Mr. Chair, I'll make an introductory comment and then I'll turn it over to Keith Grady, our senior adviser in this area. I will make the same comments that I believe Transport Canada officials gave when they appeared before the committee on February 28. The way it is constructed right now—and I believe David Osbaldeston made this point—minor waters are such that I believe if you float a canoe in a body of water it is considered a navigable water.

Transport committee  Yes. Where the project description states that a community is undertaking a major project, we carry out an environmental assessment. However, the changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act have done a lot to make the process less complex.

Transport committee  I am not sure I understood the question.

Transport committee  Unfortunately, I am not here this morning to discuss the issue...

Transport committee  I am not absolutely sure, given that I have not received a briefing on that issue recently, but my understanding is that no agreement has been signed.

Transport committee  That is a very good question. Both organizations are involved. With Infrastructure Canada, we have accountability with respect to the Building Canada program. In the past, the service delivery partners also had some responsibility. I must say, however, that this issue is outside my area of expertise, and it would probably be better for you to address your question to the department in order to obtain an official answer.

Transport committee  I am concerned that I might mislead you. You would be better advised to address your question to the department.

Transport committee  We support the immediate modernization of the act. We feel that, from our mandate, the minor waterways and minor works are particularly important. That's not to say we may not need a full-scale review in five years. The advantage of doing it now is that the Building Canada Fund and the plan will be rolling out.

Transport committee  I believe we'll begin. Good morning, Mr. Chair and honourable members. I would like to thank the committee for inviting Infrastructure Canada to present its views on the proposals that have been tabled to modernize the Navigable Waters Protection Act, the NWPA. With me today, as mentioned, is Keith Grady, our senior adviser on environmental review and approvals at Infrastructure Canada.