Environment committee  As I stated, Mr. Chairman, the government did commit funds for the extension in 2006-07 and 2007-08 of some existing programming. They subsequently made commitments for new programming. In terms of this program that has been mentioned--the ecoENERGY for renewable power programming--my understanding is that those funds have been profiled beginning in the current fiscal year and extending forward.

Environment committee  The commitment made by the government to the ecoTrust, which was made publicly and was the subject of agreement with each province and territory, as Ms. Ruta said, is subject to the passage of the Budget Implementation Act. The Department of Finance manages these trust arrangements; they may be best placed to respond to specific technical questions about exactly how the funds are transferred and exactly when.

Environment committee  Mr. Chair, that document was provided by our department to the committee.

Environment committee  Yes, Mr. Chairman, the Department of the Environment prepared that document.

Environment committee  Mr. Chairman, I'm not sure why we prepared it in this format, but it certainly was authorized by the department and reflects the department's view.

Environment committee  Yes, Mr. Chairman. It was reviewed by me and reflects the Department of the Environment's view of the figures.

Environment committee  That includes initiatives that were announced prior to budget 2007, Mr. Chairman, including budget 2006.

Environment committee  Mr. Chairman, one of those initiatives, in particular the ecoENERGY initiative for renewable power, is intended to support initiatives in that area.

Environment committee  As I stated at the outset, this represents initiatives announced by the government, and I think they were announced publicly. I think they're self-explanatory and I can't really comment beyond--

Environment committee  Yes, certainly there was spending. Actually, Mr. Chair, if I could take a moment, I'd just like to confirm that point.

Environment committee  Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. It's a pleasure for me and my colleagues to be here with you today. My name is Michael Martin. I'm the assistant deputy minister of strategic policy at Environment Canada. With me at the table today are Basia Ruta, who is assistant deputy minister of finance and corporate services and the chief financial officer of Environment Canada; and as well, Alex Manson, who is special adviser on climate change policy at Environment Canada.