Discussion · Government Orders
Christine Normandin Bloc Québécois
“This bill lets the Canada Energy Regulator review pipeline projects instead of the environmental assessment agency. Five of the regulator's seven leaders worked in the oil industry, and its job is to promote oil transport. It is not impartial. I want the member to explain why an unbiased group should not be the one reviewing these major projects.”
“Mr. Speaker, I think I know what kind of answer I am going to get, but I would still like the member to share her thoughts on the impartiality of the people who will be assessing certain projects, particularly pipeline projects. We know that it will now be the Canada Energy Regulator and not the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada that will be responsible for conducting those assessments. However, five of the regulator’s seven commissioners used to work in the oil industry. The CER’s mission is to promote the transmission of electricity and the transportation of oil. It is safe to say that this body is not impartial. I would like the member to tell us about how important it is to have impartial agencies assess all projects, particularly major projects that are in the so-called national interest.”
Mr. Speaker, I think I know what kind of answer I am going to get, but I would still like the member to share her thoughts on the impartiality of the people who will be assessing certain projects, particularly pipeline projects. We know that it will now be the Canada Energy Regulator and not the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada that will be responsible for conducting those assessments. However, five of the regulator’s seven commissioners used to work in the oil industry. The CER’s mission is to promote the transmission of electricity and the transportation of oil. It is safe to say that this body is not impartial. I would like the member to tell us about how important it is to have impartial agencies assess all projects, particularly major projects that are in the so-called national interest.