National Energy Board  Mr. Speaker, the National Energy Board is one of the most distinguished regulatory agencies in this country. There has been nothing drawn to my attention that indicates any irregularity whatsoever. Because an hon. member has inquired, I too will inquire, but there is nothing on

National Energy Board  Mr. Speaker, inquiries by members of Parliament with respect to particular spending items are perfectly legitimate and the government should inquire into those items when they are raised. However, I think it is going far beyond the bounds of reason and fair play for the hon. mem

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, the hon. member I think misunderstands the legal process that is followed here. First of all, the parties have to arrive at a consensus in Kyoto about the commitments to which they are prepared to make legal obligations. Then there is the signature process. Then the

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, all elements mentioned by the hon. gentleman may well be part of an implementation package. We will work on that package immediately after Kyoto in consultation with provinces and otherwise. He should know that my department is already investing $70 million a year i

Kyoto Summit  Mr. Speaker, we have indicated to all the provinces, business, industry and environmental organizations, in fact all stakeholders, that they are invited and welcome to participate with us in the development and finalization of the implementation plan. From day one we have adopte

Kyoto Summit  Mr. Speaker, there will be a variety of means by which parliament and Canadians generally will be able to monitor progress toward the implementation of any agreement flowing out of Kyoto. The hon. gentleman has made a suggestion that we should look at. I can also tell him that t

Government Buildings  Mr. Speaker, the idea is by no means postponed. The federal buildings initiative is an ongoing effort of the government to encourage greater energy conservation in the construction and the operation of federal government buildings. Over the last number of years we made consider

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, on the basic questions of can Canadians as individuals make a difference, I think the answer to that is profoundly, yes. Indeed, when we hear some of the debate we may get the impression that the big enemy or the bad culprit is the upstream oil and gas industry in th

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, I am not sure that I should comment on the biological theories of either party in the opposition. I think they are perfectly capable of demonstrating their abilities in one way or the other in that regard. However, partisanship aside, the only point I would like to

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to take part in this special debate on climate change. I am glad to have an opportunity to say a few words and to hear what other members of the House have to say as well. I hope our overall discussion this evening will be useful, constructive and r

Mining  Mr. Speaker, mining in Canada employs about 350,000 people. It is the economic backbone of some 150 communities. It contributes $24 billion to our economy and generates about $40 billion worth of exports. Government actions in support of mining in Canada include the success we h

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, the hon. gentleman's information is factually incorrect. Since the late 1980s the amount of direct spending by the Government of Canada in relation to the energy sector has dropped dramatically. In our last two budgets, 1996 and 1997, we substantially enhanced the am

Candu Reactors  Mr. Speaker, I have said this before and I will repeat it. A Candu plant, in order to be built either in Canada or anywhere in the world, must be licensable according to Canadian standards which are established by the Atomic Energy Control Board. As the hon. member will know, tho

Candu Reactors  Mr. Speaker, if I understood the question correctly, it was whether the government is being irresponsible. The answer is no.

The Environment  Mr. Speaker, I and my colleague, the Minister of the Environment, have had extensive discussions with our counterparts. Those discussions are ongoing. I am told that the tradition with respect to provincial involvement in international delegations is one or two representatives o