The Chair called Vote 1c under Department of Natural Resources and Vote 1 under Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.

The Minister made a statement and, with Shawn Tupper, Mollie Johnson and Jeff Labonté, answered questions.

Greg McLean gave notice of the following motion:

That, the committee invite the Minister of Natural Resources and officials to appear to consider the Main Estimates 2021-22 for a minimum of two hours, at their earliest convenience, but no later than Friday, May 14, 2021.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

At 12:49 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 1:00 p.m., the sitting resumed in camera.

At 1:05 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 1:10 p.m., the sitting resumed.

The committee resumed consideration of matters related to committee business.

It was agreed, — That the Third Report of the subcommittee on Agenda and Procedure, which read as follows, be concurred in:

1. That the committee accept briefs for consideration as part of the study of critical minerals and associated value chains in Canada from the following organizations: Saskatchewan Mining Association; Martin Olszynski, Associate Professor at University of Calgary Faculty of Law; BlackRock Metal Inc.; Energy Storage Canada, and Clean Energy Canada.

2. That the committee invite BlackRock Metal Inc. to appear as part of the study of critical minerals and associated value chains in Canada if an opportunity becomes available in the two remaining meetings scheduled for the study.

3. That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of the low-carbon and renewable fuels industry, including, but not limited to: biofuels, biogas, hydrogen, and biodiesel and, (a) opportunities to advance these industries in Canada, (b) a full analysis of the costs and benefits, and the required steps to facilitate a potential pathway for these industries to play a significant role in helping Canada for the transition to net-zero; and (c) an examination of the potential for job creation and reduction of Canada’s net greenhouse gas emissions; that the committee meet for no less than eight meetings in relation to the study; that each party send a list of witnesses, by priority, including their contact information to the clerk of the committee; and that the committee report its findings to the House.

4. That the committee consider inviting Canada Energy Regulator to appear at a future date to provide the committee with a briefing on energy information reports that have recently been published, including: an Energy Futures 2021 report, a first Renewables Report, and Canada’s Pipeline Transportation System 2021, as well as any other topics that the committee may wish to discuss.

5. That, after the study of the low-carbon and renewable fuels industry, pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the committee undertake a study of how the federal government could best incentivize retrofits so that all Canadian buildings are energy efficient by 2050.

The committee resumed consideration of the Supplementary Estimates (C), 2020-21: Votes 1c and 10c under Department of Natural Resources, referred to the committee on Tuesday, February 16, 2021.

By unanimous consent, the Chair called Votes 1c and 10c under Department of Natural Resources.

Votes 1c and 10c under Department of Natural Resources carried.

ORDERED, — That the Chair report Votes 1c and 10c under Department of Natural Resources to the House.