Environment and Sustainable Development

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met to study the 2026-27 main estimates for Environment and Climate Change Canada and its portfolio agencies. Appearing were Minister Julie Dabrusin, along with officials Judy Meltzer, Mollie Johnson, Terence Hubbard, Kurt Chin Quee, Andrew Campbell, Mark Fisher, and Tara Shannon.

Minister Dabrusin stated that the main estimates reflect a disciplined fiscal framework while continuing climate action, nature protection, and regulatory efficiency. She highlighted the 2030 nature strategy, methane regulations, the national electricity strategy, and the oil-to-heat pump program as key initiatives, and noted that the department's main estimates total about $1.71 billion, a decrease largely due to sunsetting programs that will appear in supplementary estimates.

Judy Meltzer, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, spoke about the enhanced methane regulations for oil and gas and landfills, describing them as world-leading and a key part of Canada's climate strategy. She noted that these regulations provide flexibility and pull forward Canadian technologies for methane abatement.

Mollie Johnson, Deputy Minister, addressed questions on the government's climate trajectory, stating that the department provides ongoing analysis and that the 2025 progress report and 2026 national inventory report show progress toward 2050 objectives. She noted that the department is working on comprehensive modelling of recent policy decisions and that adaptation funding decreases are due to sunsetting programs that may be renewed through regular federal processes.

Terence Hubbard, President of the Impact Assessment Agency, explained that proposed regulatory changes aim to make project reviews more efficient without cutting environmental obligations. He stated that environmental assessments for pipelines would be done by the Canada Energy Regulator under proposed changes, and that the government would consult with Indigenous peoples before any pre-approval decisions under Bill C-5.

Kurt Chin Quee, Assistant Deputy Minister and Chief Financial Officer, confirmed that the department would provide the committee with final expenses for the COP30 Canada pavilion, which were still being reconciled. He did not have details on whether costs would exceed $1.1 million.

Andrew Campbell, Interim President of Parks Canada, discussed the national marine conservation area reserve agreement in British Columbia, noting that the underlying agreement was between six First Nations first, with federal and provincial law added on top. He committed to following up on specific questions about ATV access, deadwood removal, road access, and seasonal opening dates in Gros Morne National Park.

Mark Fisher, President of the Canada Water Agency, stated that the agency is developing Canada's first national water security strategy, which will address floods, droughts, and groundwater issues. He noted that the agency is working with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners, and that the freshwater action plan is funding restoration work in areas of concern like the Bay of Quinte.

Tara Shannon, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Canadian Wildlife Service, explained that a proposed exemption from the Species at Risk Act jeopardy test would allow a permit in exceptional circumstances where mitigation is not possible, noting that such a situation has never occurred.

A motion by Conservative MP Branden Leslie to request a letter sent by 14 Liberal MPs to the Prime Minister about environmental policy direction was moved but debate was adjourned on a Liberal motion. The committee then continued its questioning, with officials providing additional details on the national water security strategy, Canada's international climate leadership, and the breakdown of budgetary reductions under the clean growth and climate change purpose.