MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1996
(Meeting No. 30)
(Meeting No. 30)
[Text]
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:40 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Julian Reed for Gar Knutson.
Associate Member present: Clifford Lincoln and Julian Reed.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran and Kristen Douglas, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Office of the Auditor General of Canada: Brian Emmett, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development and Wayne Cluskey, Principal Audit Operations.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to receive a briefing by the Research Staff, Library of Parliament, regarding the proposed Forum on Biotechnology.
It was agreed,--That the Committee approve in principle the proposal for the biotechnology forum to be held on October 8, 1996 and the draft outline of a report on biotechnology both contained in the briefing note entitled: ``Biotechnology Study'' prepared by Thomas Curran, Researcher, Library of Parliament dated September 11, 1996.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consider the position of the Commissioner the Environment and Sustainable Development.
Brian Emmett made an opening statement and, with Wayne Cluskey, answered questions.
At 10:45 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
(Meeting No. 31)
(Meeting No. 31)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:42 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 371, West Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Charles Caccia, Raymond Lavigne and Jean Payne.
Associate Member present: Clifford Lincoln.
Acting Members present: Bernard Deshaies for Monique Guay and Clifford Lincoln for Paul Steckle.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran and Kristen Douglas, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From SustainABILITY: A National Communications Program in Support of Sustainable Development: Clifford Lincoln, M.P. for Lachine; Leone Pippard, Coordinator; Glen Munroe of LURA Group; Russ Kisby, of ParticipACTION and Ann Dale of the Sustainable Development Research Institute.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consider the topic of SustainABILITY: A National Communications Program in Support of Sustainable Development.
Leone Pippard, Glen Munroe, Russ Kisby, Clifford Lincoln and Ann Dale made opening statements and answered questions.
Jean Payne proposed to move,--That this Committee send a letter to the Minister of Environment, outlining the importance of the SustainABILITY Project and requesting the governments support of the program including financial assistance.
At 10:20 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1996
(Meeting No. 32)
(Meeting No. 32)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:32 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, for the purpose of organization.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Gérard Asselin, Monique Guay, Daphne Jennings, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Members present: Don Boudria for Jack Anawak and Clifford Lincoln for Charles Caccia.
Associate Member present: Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas, Research Officer.
Witness: From the Department of Environment Canada: Ian Glen, Deputy Minister.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 106(1) and 106(2), the Committee proceeded to the election of a Chair and two vice-chairs.
The Clerk presided over the election of the Chair.
Don Boudria moved,--That Charles Caccia be elected Chair of the Committee.
Accordingly, Charles Caccia was declared duly elected, in absentia, Chair of the Committee.
The Clerk presided over the election of an Acting Chair.
On motion of Karen Kraft Sloan, it was agreed,--That Peter Adams be elected Acting Chair for the meeting.
On motion of Gérard Asselin, it was agreed,--That Jean Payne be elected first Vice-chair of the Committee.
Daphne Jennings moved,--That Paul Forseth be elected opposition (second) Vice-chair of the Committee.
The question being put on the motion, it was negatived on the following division:
YEAS
Daphne Jennings
Paul Steckle--(2)
NAYS
Gérard Asselin
Clifford Lincoln
Don Boudria
Jean Payne
Monique Guay
Karen Kraft Sloan
Gar Knutson--(7)
Gérard Asselin propose,--Que Monique Guay soit élue deuxième Vice-présidente.
La motion, mise aux voix, est adoptée au partage des voix suivantes;
POUR
Gérard Asselin
Clifford Lincoln
Don Boudria
Jean Payne
Monique Guay
Karen Kraft Sloan
Gar Knutson
Paul Steckle--(8)
CONTRE
Daphne Jennings--(1)
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consider its future business.
On motion of Gar Knutson, it was agreed,--That the Committee retain the professional services of Stephanie Meakin to assist the Library of Parliament Research staff to prepare the Committee's report on biotechnology as a per diem rate of $350.00 for a maximum of $3,500.00.
On motion of Paul Steckle, it was agreed,--That the Committee write to the Minister of Environment outlining the importance of the SustainABILITY Project and requesting that the government support the program including financial assistance.
It was agreed,--That the Committee accept the invitation to meet with German Parliamentarians on October 3, 1996.
Pursuant to Standing Order 111(1) and 111(2) the Committee proceeded to consider the order in council appointment of Ian Glen to the position of Deputy Minister of Environment.
Ian Glen made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 10:22 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1996
(Meeting No. 33)
(Meeting No. 33)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 3:38 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Vice-Chair, Jean Payne, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Jack Anawak, Gérard Asselin, Daphne Jennings, Gar Knutson, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: John Finlay for Charles Caccia.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas, Research Officer.
Witnesses: From the Sierra Club of Canada: Louise Comeau, Coordinator, Climate Change, Energy and Atmosphere. From Informetrica: Carl Sonnen, President. From Environment Canada: Gordon McBean, Assistant Deputy Minister, Atmospheric Environment.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consider the topic of climate change and the rational energy program.
Gordon McBean, Louise Comeau and Ann McKenzie made opening statements and answered questions.
At 5:20 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1996
(Meeting No. 34)
(Meeting No. 34)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 9:10 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Vice-Chair, Jean Payne, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Yvan Bernier for Gérard Asselin.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran and Kristen Douglas, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Department of Fisheries and Ocean: Dr. William G. Doubleday, Director General, Fisheries and Oceans Science Directorate. From the Department of Natural Resources Canada: William Cheliak, Director, Science Marketing and Business Opportunities, Science Branch, Canadian Forest Service.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed to consider the Topic of Biotechnology.
William Cheliak and William Doubleday made opening statements and answered questions.
At 10:37 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1996
(Meeting No. 35a)
(Meeting No. 35a)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in an informal session at 9:20 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Vice-Chair, Jean Payne, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Jack Iyerak Anawak, Daphne Jennings, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne, Paul Steckle.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran and Kristen Douglas, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From KPMG Management Consultants: Jac van Beek, Principal, and Geoff Golder, Principal. From the German Embassy: His Excellency, Ambassador Hans Guntes Hulimana. From the German Bundestag: Hannelore Saibold, Manfred Lischewski, Lothar Ibrugger, Siegfried Hornung, Ulrich Heinrich, Marion Caspers-Merk and Rudolf Braun.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), consideration of the Topic of Biotechnology.
Jac van Beek made an opening statement and with Geoff Golder, answered questions and with Members of the German Bundestag, participated in a discussion on the topic of biotechnology.
At 10:30 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1996
(Meeting No. 35b)
(Meeting No. 35b)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 10:30 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Vice-Chair, Jean Payne, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Jack Iyerak Anawak, Daphne Jennings, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne, Paul Steckle.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran and Kristen Douglas, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From KPMG Management Consultants: Jac van Beek, Principal and Geoff Golder, Principal.
Jac van Beek and Geoff Golder answered questions on the topic of biotechnology.
At 10:53 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1996
(Meeting No. 36)
(Meeting No. 36)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met on a televised session at 8:50 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Members present: Clifford Lincoln for Jack Anawak and Paul DeVillers for Peter Adams.
Associate Members present: Clifford Lincoln and Len Taylor.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
Participants: Roundtable No. 1: Biotechnology: Product, Process and Risk. From the National Research Council: Roland Brousseau, Group Leader, Environmental Genetics, Biotechnology Research Institute, Montréal, and Wilf Keller, Senior Researcher, Brassica Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology Institute, Saskatoon. From Carleton University: R. Campbell Wyndham, Associate Professor, Department of Biology. From the Toronto Food Policy Council: Rod MacRae, Research Coordinator. From the Department of Environment Canada: Terry McIntyre, Manager, Biotechnology Advancement Program. From Consumers' Association of Canada: Chris Mitchler, Chair, National Food Committee. From the Environmental Law Centre (Alberta Society): Howard Samoil, Staff Counsel. From the University of Guelph: Jack Trevors, Professor, Department of Environmental Biology. From the Canadian Institute of Biotechnology: Rick Walter, Executive Director. From the National Agriculture Environment Committee: Jeff Wilson, Board Member and Vice-chair.
Roundtable No. 2: Regulatory Options and Risk Communication: From the University of Waterloo: Conrad Brunk, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Conrad Grebel College. From ``Fédération nationale des associations de consommateurs du Québec'': Richard Dagenais, Researcher. From AgrEvo Canada Inc.: Margaret Gadsby, Director, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. From the Department of Health Canada: Paul Mayers, Head, Office of Food Biotechnology, Health Protection Branch. From the Department of Industry Canada: George Michaliszyn, Director, Chemicals & Bio-Industries Branch. From the Department of Environment Canada: Ed Norrena, Director General, Environmental Technologies Advancement Division. From the Department of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada: Art Olson, Assistant Deputy Minister, Food Production and Inspection Branch. From the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy: Mark Winfield, Research Director. From Queen's University: William Leiss, School of Policy Studies and Eco-Research, Chair in Environmental Policy. From Lewis Consulting Ltd.: Glennis Lewis, President.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of the topic of biotechnology.
The participants of roundtable one and the Members proceeded to a discussion.
At 10:36 o'clock a.m., the sitting was suspended.
At 11:04 o'clock a.m., the sitting resumed with the participants of roundtable two.
The participants of roundtable two and the Members proceeded to a discussion.
At 12:43 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1996
(Meeting No. 37)
(Meeting No. 37)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met on a televised session at 3:35 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 253-D, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Daphne Jennings, Gar Knutson, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Jack Anawak.
Associate Members present: Clifford Lincoln and Len Taylor.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
Participants: Roundtable No. 3: Ethical Considerations. From Catholic Rural Life Ministry: Paul Brassard, Co-ordinator. From Food Biotechnology Centre: Joyce Groote, Executive Director. From Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada: Joy Morrow, Barrister and Solicitor. From Westminster Institute for Ethics and Human Values: Ted Schrecker, Associate Director, Environmental Ethics. From the McGill Centre for Medicine, Ethics and Law: Margaret Somerville, Professor, Faculty of Law and Faculty of Medicine, McGill University. From the University of Guelph: David Waltner-Toews, Professor, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College. As individuals: Jim Fischer, Dairy Farmer and Physiologist, and Brewster Kneen, Author.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of the topic of biotechnology.
The participants and the Members proceeded to a discussion.
At 5:35 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1996
(Meeting No. 38)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 38)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 9:10 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 306, West Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Gurbax Malhi for Jean Payne.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consider its future business.
At 10:50 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1996
(Meeting No. 39)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 39)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 8:40 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan and Jean Payne.
Acting Member present: John Finlay for Paul Steckle.
Associate Member present: John Finlay.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), consideration of a draft Report on the Regulation of Biotechnology.
It was agreed,--That the Committee approve a request for a general budget on the amount of $67,995.00 as well as a travel budget of $81,044.00 for travel to Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal.
It was agreed,--That the proposed schedule be adopted in principle.
Tuesday, October 22, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.--Room 237-C, Centre Block. Re: Biotechnology Report.
Wednesday, October 23, 1996 at 3:30 p.m.--Room 237-C, Centre Block. Re: Biotechnolgy Report.
Thursday, October 24, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.--Room 112-N, Centre Block. Re: Biotechnology Report.
Wednesday, October 30, 1996 at 3:30 p.m.--Room 307, West Block. Re: Biotechnology Report.
Thursday, October 31, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.--Room 237-C, Centre Block. Re: Biotechnology Report.
* Tuesday, November 5, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.--Room 269, West Block. Re: Endangered Species Legislation; Briefing by Departmental Officials C.W.S. From 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.--Room 371, West Block. Re: draft Report on the Regulations of Biotechnology; at 7:00 p.m.--Room 209, West Block. Re: draft Report on the Regulations of Biotechnology.
* Wednesday, November 6, 1996 at 3:30 p.m.--Room 371, West Block. Re: Endangered Species Legislation; Briefing by Departmental Officials COSEWIC.
* Thursday, November 7, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.--Room 269, West Block. Re: Improved Reporting to Parliament Project (IRPP).
Week of November 11, 1996--House is not sitting.
Tuesday, November 19, 1996 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.--Room 371, West Block. Re: Endangered Species Legislation.
Wednesday, November 20, 1996 at 3:30 p.m.--Room 371, West Block. Re: Endangered Species Legislation.
Thursday, November 21, 1996 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.--Room 237-C, Centre Block. Re: Endangered Species Legislation.
Sunday, November 24, 1996--Site visit (See note 2).
Monday, November 25, 1996--Hearings in Vancouver (See note 1).
Tuesday, November 26, 1996--Hearings in Winnipeg; Travel to Toronto (See note 1).
Wednesday, November 27, 1996--Hearings in Toronto (See note 1).
Monday, December 2, 1996--Hearings in Montreal (See note 1).
* Assuming Legislation is tabled in the House.
Note 1: If House permission is not obtained, hearings would be held in Ottawa with Teleconferencing.
Note 2:> If not applicable, the schedule would be one day shorter.
Tuesday, December 3, 1996 at 9:00 a.m.--Hearings in Ottawa.
Wednesday, December 4, 1996 at 3:30 p.m.--Clause by clause consideration.
Thursday, December 5, 1996 at 8:30 a.m.--Clause by clause consideration.
Monday, December 9, 1996 at 3:30 p.m.--Clause by clause consideration.
Tuesday, December 10, 1996 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.--Clause by clause consideration.
Thursday, December 12, 1996--Report to the House.
It was agreed,--That the Committee host a luncheon on October 22, 1996 in honour of Theo Colburn, Senior Scientist for the World Wildlife Fund, author of "Our Stolen Future".
At 10:50 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1996
(Meeting No. 40)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 40)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 3:50 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Jack Iyerak Anawak, Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Karen Kraft Sloan and Jean Payne.
Acting Members present: Clifford Lincoln for Gar Knutson; Maurice Godin for Monique Guay.
Associate Members present: Maurice Godin and Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), consideration of a draft Report on the Regulation of Biotechnology.
Gérard Asselin propose,--Que, conformément aux règlements de la Chambre, le Comité autorise à joindre en annexe au rapport sur la biotechnologie de la majorité, à la suite de la signature de son président, un énoncé des opinions ou recommandations dissidentes des députés-membres de l'Opposition officielle.
La motion, mise aux voix, est adoptée.
At 5:30 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1996
(Meeting No. 41)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 41)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 9:43 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Charles Caccia, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan and Jean Payne.
Acting Member present: Maurice Godin for Monique Guay.
Associate Members present: John Finlay, Maurice Godin and Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed consideration of a draft Report on Biotechnology.
At 10:48 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1996
(Meeting No. 42)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 42)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 3:40 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 307, West Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Charles Caccia, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Peter Adams.
Associate Member present: Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer and Stephanie Meakin, Consultant.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of a draft Report on Biotechnology.
At 4:50 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1996
(Meeting No. 43)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 43)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 8:47 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chairman, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Charles Caccia, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Jack Anawak.
Associate Member present: Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officers and Stephanie Meakin, Consultant.
In accordance with its mandate under Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of a draft Report on Biotechnology.
At 9:51 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Normand Radford
Clerk of the Committee