QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
Development of Natural Resources
June 17, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate.
I noticed with great interest that, last week, the Minister of the Environment declared that there would be no more thermal coal development in this country. This week, he subsequently announced that all coal mines that have the potential to create selenium pollution would be subject to federal environmental review, even if they were smaller than the usual threshold.
Now, as an Albertan, I applaud and agree with the motivation for these decisions, but I am also keenly aware that natural resources fall under provincial jurisdiction. I am a little concerned to read a statement from Alberta’s Minister of Energy saying that there was no prior consultation with the provincial government about either of these two decisions.
I’m wondering if you can tell me what consultation may have taken place with coal-producing provinces. What consultations are planned as we move forward to transitioning away from coal in a way that is inclusive and respectful of provincial jurisdiction?
Thank you for the question. It’s an important question.
I don’t have the information but will certainly seek it with regard to what consultations may have taken place with regard to this particular announcement to which you refer. Ownership of natural resources and extensive jurisdiction around them are provincial, according to our Constitution. Jurisdiction over the environment is a shared jurisdiction, with a major role for the federal government, as recognized by the courts. So it is perfectly fitting and proper that the Government of Canada and, through its laws, the Parliament of Canada, play a role with regard to the transition from an economy based largely on fossil fuels to one that is greener and more sustainable.
I can assure this chamber that, going forward with regard to environmental policy, this government is committed to working not only with provinces and territories, but with industry, other stakeholders, Indigenous communities and the like to make sure that the transition that we will need to go through will be done in the most equitable way, taking into account the interests and rights of all concerned.
