ENVI Committee Meeting

The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 4:32 p.m. this day, in Room 268, La Promenade Building, the Chair, Mark Warawa, presiding.

It was agreed, — That on Wednesday, October 3, 2012, the Committee hear from witnesses in relation to the study of Bill C-370, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act (St. Lawrence Islands National Park of Canada), and that the Committee proceed as well to the clause-by-clause study of the Bill.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 111, the Committee invite Alan Latourelle, reappointed to be Chief Executive Officer of the Parks Canada Agency, to appear before the Committee, no later than on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

It was agreed, — That, pursuant to Standing Order 111, the Committee invite Bob Hamilton, appointed to be Deputy Minister of the Environment, to appear before the Committee, no later than on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

It was agreed, — That on Monday, October 15, 2012, the first hour of the meeting be devoted to the consideration of the two (2) Orders in Council appointments, specifically the appearance of Alan Latourelle, as Chief Executive Officer of the Parks Canada Agency, and Bob Hamilton, as Deputy Minister of the Environment.

It was agreed, — That on Monday, October 15, 2012, the second hour of the meeting be devoted to a meeting of the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure.

It was agreed, — That the Committee undertake a study to examine urban conservation practices in Canada;

That the scope of the study be as follows:

1. What is urban conservation?

2. What could be the goals of connecting urban Canadians with conservation?

3. What are the best practices in Canada for the same?

4. What urban conservation initiatives are currently in use? What are the best practices and challenges for the same?

5. What are the economic, health, biodiversity and social benefits associated with urban conservation?

6. How do we define a protected space?

7. What role should the federal government play in urban conservation?

That the study include an update on the status of Rouge Park and as well as an examination of the creek in Bear Creek Park;

That the Clerk publish on the Committee’s website a press release containing this information; and

That the Committee invite witnesses to appear on this study starting on Wednesday, October 17, 2012.

It was agreed, — That the Committee invite Karen Dodds, Assistant Deputy Minister at the Department of the Environment, for one hour at a date at her convenience, to appear before Committee to provide an update on the status of the Department’s plans for ozone monitoring initiatives.

It was agreed, — That the Committee invite the Minister of the Environment to appear before the Committee to discuss the Supplementary Estimates (B) 2012-13, once they are tabled in the House of Commons and referred to the Committee.

It was agreed, — That the Committee invite the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development to appear regarding the Fall 2012 Report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, once it has been presented in the House of Commons later this Fall.

It was agreed, — That the Subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure meet before the Christmas ajourment, in order to discuss future business for 2013.

At 4:45 p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.