Kevin O'Reilly

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I agree with most of what our witness has said, but the federal government has also agreed that they will return revenues that are collected through the federal backstop to the jurisdiction where they are collected, so there is already a commitment to do that. In fact, that is exactly what the Yukon negotiated.

My point in raising these questions, Mr. Chair, is that we had an opportunity to design a different system. Committee asked to try to work with the department, with the Minister, to come up with options for what our system could look like in terms of making sure that...

I just love the passion of the Minister. I am not criticizing the engagement process that was gone through in terms of developing the Arts Strategy. I am talking about the action plan. These are the specific actions we need to undertake to support the Arts Strategy, and at the core of that is knowing where we are, the kind of information data that will drive how we can improve, and give us the direction of where we need to go. That is what I heard from the leaders who I have been talking to. How is the Minister going to ensure that the new action plan under the Arts Strategy is coordinated...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I will trying to keep this short. I agree no one likes to pay taxes, but sometimes taxes are the price of civilization. However, I think what people want to know is that there has been careful consideration of options. Unfortunately, standing committee did not have options to look at. In the plain-language summary of the bill, the federal backstop information that is presented here is based on rural communities in New Brunswick. Can I have some explanation as to why the federal backstop presented in this paper is about rural New Brunswick? Thanks, Mr. Chair.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I would like to recognize one of the Pages, Carter Kasteel, Frame Lake resident. He must be a glutton for punishment, because I know he was here earlier this year, but I want to thank him and all of the Pages for all of the work that they do for us. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

Thanks, Mr. Chair. In my opening remarks, I talked about Cabinet's crisis climate change plan, consisting of three separate initiatives. We have the climate change strategic framework, the energy strategy, and now carbon pricing. Unfortunately, there are no strong links between the three of them. This bill does not provide for any formal links between the other two parts of the strategy or the plan that this Cabinet has developed. In the absence of that, it is very difficult, I think, for anyone to see and understand how these are linked together and what kind of progress we may be making on...

Thanks, Mr. Chair. I am not a Member of this committee, but I did sit in on much of their deliberations. I did attend the public hearing that was held here in Yellowknife, and I am disappointed. Well, I want to thank the committee for allowing me to do that and attempt to get a better understanding of the bill and the approach that is being taken by our government with regard to carbon pricing.

I do have major concerns with the bills, particularly Bill 42, and my concerns revolve around the lack of public reporting. I have made that well known on the floor of this House, that we need to have...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, I heard that one loud and clear. There will not be an opportunity for the public to comment on draft regulations to establish the rebates or the grants pursuant to the carbon pricing system that Cabinet is going to implement.

I just wish to contrast that with the Yukon approach, where a bill went through the House, a public review; those rebates are set out by statute in the Yukon; there was some public accountability oversight for that. That will not happen in the Northwest Territories. That is one of the fundamental problems with this bill; there is no opportunity...

Merci, Monsieur le President.

Committee received one submission which expressed concern that the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act ("ATIPP") does not apply to Members. Committee noted that ATIPP does not apply to protect the parliamentary privileges of Members. Committee also noted that the Draft Code of Conduct expressly deals with the issue of privacy and requires Members to take appropriate steps to protect the confidentiality of any personal information, personal health information, or other confidential information that comes into their possession.

To reflect the concerns...

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to know whether there is going to be an opportunity for the public to comment on draft regulations made to establish rebates of the carbon tax and grants under the carbon tax as this bill sets out. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Merci, Monsieur le President. I seek --