Discussion · Government Orders
Alexis Deschênes Bloc Québécois
“I oppose this bill because it lowers environmental standards. In certain areas, it ignores about 20 laws and rules, letting projects destroy fish habitats without normal permits. I want the member to explain how that protects the environment.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his contribution to this debate. I am having a hard time reconciling what my colleague and his Prime Minister are saying, namely that Bill C-39 does not lower standards. That seems completely wrong to me. Bill C-39 will make it possible to designate areas of national interest, and within those areas, about a dozen laws and seven regulations will not apply. This will allow for projects that destroy fish habitats without having to seek authorization under the Fisheries Act. How can my colleague say that we are upholding environmental standards when, for all projects in regions of national interest, we are going to set aside some 20 laws and get the required authorizations even if it means destroying the environment?”
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his contribution to this debate. I am having a hard time reconciling what my colleague and his Prime Minister are saying, namely that Bill C-39 does not lower standards. That seems completely wrong to me. Bill C-39 will make it possible to designate areas of national interest, and within those areas, about a dozen laws and seven regulations will not apply. This will allow for projects that destroy fish habitats without having to seek authorization under the Fisheries Act. How can my colleague say that we are upholding environmental standards when, for all projects in regions of national interest, we are going to set aside some 20 laws and get the required authorizations even if it means destroying the environment?