QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Climate Change Adaptation Initiatives
March 3, 2022
In my region, Atlantic Canada, we are very concerned about soil erosion and its impact on ports and shipping. How is your department working with Transport Canada and Public Safety Canada to support small ports, especially in regions like the Acadian Peninsula, so that this infrastructure can adapt to climate change?
Thank you for your question, senator. Erosion is obviously linked to rising sea levels, which is one of the most obvious and well-documented impacts of climate change.
We are working with the Department of Transport and with Infrastructure Canada to develop Canada’s first national climate change adaptation plan, which includes a section specifically on infrastructure.
Solutions do exist, and sometimes they fall within the federal government’s jurisdiction, sometimes that of the provinces or municipalities. That is why we want to work with all levels of government and other interested parties who have some knowledge of the issue in order to move towards adaptation.
It is clear that when it comes to climate change adaptation, the federal government can’t do everything. That’s why we need to work in partnership, as we are doing with the B.C. government. After the floods in that province, we created a joint committee made up of several departments, from both levels of government, that are responsible for matters related to transport, infrastructure, the environment and natural resources.
We are hoping to replicate this across the country, so that Canada is better prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change.
Honourable senators, the time for Question Period has expired. I’m sure all senators would like to join me in thanking Minister Guilbeault for being with us today. We look forward to seeing you again sometime in the near future, minister. Thank you.
