Environment committee  I have just one other comment in response to Mr. McGuinty's request. We have done that work and we're surprised you don't have it yet. We are going to talk to the consultant who's been working with the NGOs and get it in to you, because it is completed.

Environment committee  What Andrew said is completely correct. It's a complicated country we live in. We have many different ecosystems, so we need many different tools. Many people in civil society have worked really hard to give us a variety of different tools to protect our natural ecosystems. The

Environment committee  We have a national parks system in this country. We have provincial parks. You're absolutely right that protecting habitat is the key. I would argue that the federal government should have some jurisdiction over species when and if provinces aren't taking care of them, because

Environment committee  At the COSEWIC, the scientists who do these studies tell us whether the species is endangered or not.

Environment committee  That is COSEWIC's work. When scientists prepare their report on what is left of an endangered species, they include climate change in their study so that they can try to predict whether the species can survive.

Environment committee  I think the other big issue is that many industries and many facilities feel that they're non-compliant. They hate that. To be non-compliant with any act is a huge no-no in this day and age. They feel as though they don't have a permit under SARA, so they're saying, “Oh my God, w

Environment committee  I don't think the timelines are particularly difficult. I think the issue with species at risk and not getting to recovery, not getting to action planning, and not getting all our policies in place is really a function of a lack of staff—a lack of staff within Environment Canada.

Environment committee  Absolutely. I think the fear on some people's part is that the conservation agreement would somehow mean that you're not fulfilling the protection of the species. From my limited experience with the industry associations, I don't think that's their intent. Their intent is to con

Environment committee  Yes, we have three members who mine bitumen: Shell, Suncor, and Syncrude. They are members of MAC.

Environment committee  I'm aware of CEMA. I'm not aware of their recommendation, but please repeat what you said after that. I have heard of CEMA. I know who they are.

Environment committee  That's possible.

Environment committee  Good afternoon to all of the members and thank you for this invitation to testify before you today. I'm sorry that I didn't get a chance to send my submission ahead of time. I was feeling ill yesterday and am on the cusp today, so I'll do my best. I will answer questions in F