Environment and Sustainable Development

The committee, studying the main estimates and mandate of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), heard from five departmental officials: Linda Drainville, Alison McDermott, Michael Bonser, Megan Nichols, and Tara Shannon.

Alison McDermott outlined ECCC's broad mandate under the Department of the Environment Act and key laws such as the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act. She emphasized that environmental protection is a shared jurisdiction requiring collaboration with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and international partners, and that the department's work spans emissions reduction, climate adaptation, pollution prevention, and biodiversity conservation.

Megan Nichols addressed several regulatory files. She confirmed that the oil and gas emissions cap is a cap on emissions, not production, and that the draft regulations projected a minimal impact on sector growth (16% versus 17% without the cap). She noted that the department received significant feedback on the draft and is considering the way forward, but could not provide a timeline for a decision. On the Major Projects Office, she stated that no formal arrangements with ECCC have been finalized, though working-level discussions have occurred, and that the minister will recommend conditions for project approvals under the Building Canada Act. She also confirmed that the 60-day review of the electric vehicle mandate is underway and that the removal of the 2026 target's impact has not yet been calculated.

Tara Shannon provided updates on conservation, noting Canada is at 13.8% of its 30% land protection target and over 15% for aquatic areas, with progress dependent on provincial partnerships. She highlighted nature agreements with five provinces and a trilateral agreement with British Columbia and Indigenous nations. On Bill C-5, she stated that ECCC's obligations under the Species at Risk Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act remain unchanged, and that permits will still be required for projects like Contrecoeur.

Michael Bonser discussed international engagement, confirming Canada's active role in COP30 in Brazil, which will focus on implementation and new nationally determined contributions. He noted that China remains a significant player in international climate forums and that Canada engages bilaterally with it to push for increased ambition.

Linda Drainville, when asked about budget cuts, stated that the department currently has the funds needed to carry out its mandate. She also clarified that a property in Sandspit, British Columbia, is not managed by ECCC and referred the question to Public Services and Procurement Canada.

Several witnesses disagreed with Conservative members' characterization of the emissions cap as a production cap, with Megan Nichols repeatedly distinguishing it as an emissions cap. On the consumer carbon price, Alison McDermott clarified that its removal affects 1% to 2% of reductions relative to 2005 levels, not the 8% share of overall reductions cited by the Canadian Climate Institute. The committee agreed to invite Parks Canada to a future meeting to address questions on wildfire mitigation and marine conservation areas.