Question Period, 6 October 2011 (Parliament of Canada): The Environment

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• published: 13 Oct 2011
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Please join "Save Environment Canada" on facebook (http://tinyurl.com/SaveEC-info), follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/SaveEC), and watch us on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/SaveEC). TRANSCRIPT (from Hansard) [0:09] Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP):   Mr. Speaker, government scientists are being muzzled. They have to ask the minister for permission to speak to the media. Media coverage of climate change has decreased by 80%. Is that the government's real target? There are not enough statistics on the impact of the oil sands on greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. If the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers can exchange emails with Environment Canada scientists, why can the scientists not talk to Canadians? [00:47] Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):   Mr. Speaker, the assumptions being made in that question are pure nonsense. We have Environment Canada scientists available to talk to the media regularly and we make no apologies for finding more cost-effective ways to protect the environment. We do have a plan to address climate change and mitigation with regard to meeting our Cancun and Copenhagen obligations, as well as adaptation, particularly with regard to the Canadian north. We have a plan, and I am delighted that the commissioner for the environment acknowledges it. [1:28] Ms. Megan Leslie (Halifax, NDP):   Mr. Speaker, industry has a cozy relationship with government communications as well. Oil lobbyists got government help to explain why oil sands emissions data were left out. "I appreciate the help on this, an important issue for industry...", writes one lobbyist in a thank-you note to the Conservatives. Mr. Speaker, this is important for all Canadians. When will the government stop muzzling its scientists so that all Canadians can hear from them, not just the Conservatives' oil lobbyist friends? [1:58] Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):   Mr. Speaker, our government is prepared, and certainly Environment Canada is prepared, to communicate with all levels of Canadian society, whether it be in industry, whether it be non-governmental organizations, or indeed members of the opposition. If my hon. colleague has any questions that she would like clarified with the department, I invite her to make contact with my office and I will arrange such a briefing. [2:30] Ms. Kirsty Duncan (Etobicoke North, Lib.):   Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday the Minister of the Environment insisted that Dr. David Tarasick was free to talk to the media about the Arctic ozone hole article he co-authored. I have a copy of an article written by a journalist on the subject on October 3, 2011, that clearly states that Dr. Tarasick was not allowed to discuss the paper. Can the minister explain why the government blocked this interview from taking place? [3:06] Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):   Mr. Speaker, as one of my colleagues just reminded me, one should not believe everything one reads or hears in the media. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. Mauril Bélanger: You should know. The Speaker:   Order, please. The Minister of the Environment has the floor. Hon. Peter Kent:   As I said several times this week, Canadians do owe a debt of gratitude to scientists like Dr. Tarasick and the other scientists who participated in this international report, and who regularly contribute to the greater knowledge of not only ozone but of all of the sciences of the environment. [4:02] Ms. Kirsty Duncan (Etobicoke North, Lib.):   Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday the Minister of the Environment said to this House, "We do not muzzle our scientists". However, I have in my hands a copy of the email exchange between a reporter and the environment minister's spokesperson, which unequivocally states, "An interview cannot be granted". Can the minister please explain how his statement is inconsistent with the actions taken by his office? [4:37] Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):   Mr. Speaker, I also said on Tuesday that Environment Canada scientists are regularly available to speak with responsible journalists, depending on their availability. Some hon. members: Oh, oh! Hon. Peter Kent: I would suggest that Dr. Tarasick will be available, again depending on his availability, to speak to representatives of the media.