MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 1998
(Meeting No. 52)

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The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 3:50 o'clock p.m., this day, in Room 307, West Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.

Members of the Committee present: Bernard Bigras, Charles Caccia, Aileen Carroll, Rick Casson, Yvon Charbonneau, Bill Gilmour, David Pratt.

Acting Members present: John Maloney for Roger Gallaway and Derek Lee for Sarkis Assadourian.

In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Monique Hébert, Christine Labelle, Research Officers.

Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of the enforcement of the provisions of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the enforcement of the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act including related regulations and administrative agreements (See Minutes of Proceedings, dated Thursday, February 5, 1998, Meeting No. 29).

The Committee resumed consideration of a draft report.

It was agreed, - That the Committee adopt the draft report, to be entitled Enforcing Canada's Pollution Laws: The Public Interest Must Come First!, as its Third Report.

It was agreed, - That the Chair be authorized to make such editorial and typographical changes as necessary without changing the substance of the Report and to choose a cover page.

It was agreed, - That the Chair be authorized to present the Report to the House on Monday, May 25, 1998.

It was agreed, - That, pursuant to Standing Order 108(1)(a), the Committee authorize the printing of brief dissenting opinions, to be submitted in the two official languages to the Clerk by noon on Tuesday, May 19, 1998.

It was agreed, - That, pursuant to Standing Order 109, the Government be requested to table a comprehensive response.

It was agreed, - That 1,100 English and 300 French copies of the Report be printed.

It was agreed, - That a press conference be organized immediately after the Report has been tabled in the House on May 25, 1998.

The Committee discussed its future business.

It was agreed, - That, with regard to the Committee's Order of Reference from the House of April 28, 1998, on Bill C-32, An Act respecting pollution prevention and the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development, the Committee adopt a list of witnesses and hold hearings with witnesses three times a week, beginning on Tuesday, June 2, 1998.

It was agreed, - That the Committee host a confidential preview of the Annual Report of the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development and a meeting on the Report with the Commissioner as witness on Tuesday, May 26, 1998.

At 5:15 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.