Elizabeth May
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources.
We know that since Bill C-38 in 2012, the National Energy Board, with no competence or experience in environmental assessment, is making a hash of the projects that it reviews. Two expert panels have now recommended taking the National Energy Board out of environmental assessment.
I think the National Energy Board may be nailing the nails in its own coffin with the recent approval of a Spectra natural gas pipeline against the advice of Environment Canada’s concern for endangered species. A similar mining project in the same region is getting different treatment through the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
Can the minister confirm that we will get the National Energy Board out of environmental assessments once and for all?
Jim Carr – Minister of Natural Resources
Mr. Speaker, as the member knows, the government has spent the last number of months looking at modernization and reform of the National Energy Board. It is part of a coast to coast to coast set of conversations with Canadians.
I can assure the member that when we come to the House later with legislation, it will embody those very principles that matter to her: indigenous consultation, environmental stewardship, and responsible economic growth for Canada.