MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1996
(Meeting No. 19)
(Meeting No. 19)
[Text]
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:40 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Keith Martin and Paul Steckle.
Acting Members present: Clifford Lincoln for Jean Payne and John Finlay for Raymond Lavigne.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From Environment Canada: John Buccini, Director, Commercial Chemicals Evaluation Branch. From Health Canada: Keith Bailey, Director, Bureau of Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals, Health Protection Branch. From Industry Canada: Bruce Deacon, Director General and Manager, Coordination and Management Services Branch; Terry Walker, Special Advisor, Biotechnology Regulations, Chemicals and Bio-Industries Branch. From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: J.B. Morrissey, Assistant Deputy Minister, Research Branch.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consideration of the topic of Biotechnology.
J.B. Morrissey, Keith Bailey, Bruce Deacon and John Buccini made opening statements and, with Terry Walker, answered questions.
At 11:07 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1996
(Meeting No. 20)
(Meeting No. 20)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:40 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Vice-Chair, Jean Payne, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Gérard Asselin, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Raymond Lavigne, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Canadian Institute Environmental Law and Policy: Mark Windfield, Research Director. From the Canadian Environmental Network: Cathy Wilkinson, Caucus Coordinator. From the Women and Environment Education and Development Foundation: Maureen Press, Director. From the Canadian Organic Growers: Audrey Barron, Director.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to consider the topic of Biotechnology.
Tom Curran reviewed the ``Framework and Objectives'' of the study.
Mark Windfield, Cathy Wilkinson, Maureen Press and Audrey Barron made opening statements and answered questions.
At 10:58 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Normand Radford
Clerk of the Committee
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1996
(Meeting No. 21)
(Meeting No. 21)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 3:32 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Vice-Chair, Monique Guay, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Monique Guay, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
Witnesses: From the Canadian Federation of Agriculture: Jack Wilkinson, President. From the National Agriculture Environment Committee: Jeff Wilson, Board Member and Vice-Chair. From Ag-West Biotech Inc.: Ron Kehrig, Interim Manager; Lorne Babiuk, Director of the Veterinary Infectious Disease Organisation (Saskatoon). From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Simon Barber, Chief, Plant and Biotechnology Office.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of the topic of Biotechnology.
Jack Wilkinson, Jeff Wilson, Ron Kehrig and Lorne Babiuk made opening statements and, with Simon Barber, answered questions.
At 5:05 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Georges Etoka
Committee Clerk
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1996
(Meeting No. 22)
(Meeting No. 22)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:40 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Vice-Chair, Jean Payne, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan and Jean Payne.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas, Research Officer.
Witnesses: From Environment Canada: Mel Cappe, Deputy Minister; R. John Mills, Regional Director General (Ontario Region); François Guimont, Regional Director General (Quebec Region).
Pursuant to its Order of Reference dated March 7, 1996, the Committee resumed the consideration of the Main Estimates 1996-97.
Mel Cappe, John Mills and François Guimont made opening statements and answered questions.
At 10:25 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Normand Radford
Clerk of the Committee
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 1996
(Meeting No. 23)
(Meeting No. 23)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 9:12 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan and Jean Payne.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Paul Steckle.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Thomas Curran, Research Officer.
Witnesses: From the Industrial Biotechnology Association of Canada: Jack Wearing, Chairman; David Gannon, Manager, ZENECA Corp.; Margaret Gadsby, Director, Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, AgrEvo Canada Inc. From the Canadian Institute of Biotechnology: Rick Walter, Executive Director. From the National Biotechnology Advisory Committee: Graham Strachan, President.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of Biotechnology.
Rick Walter, Graham Strachan and Jack Wearing made opening statements and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 11:30 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 1996
(Meeting No. 24)
(Meeting No. 24)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 4:05 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 308, West Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Charles Caccia, Gar Knutson and Paul Steckle.
Acting Members present: Bernard Deshaies for Monique Guay and Clifford Lincoln for Karen Kraft Sloan.
Associate Member present: John Finlay.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Food Biotechnology Communications Network: Gordon Surgeoner, Chair, Board of Directors of the Food Biotechnology Centre; Joyce Groote, Executive Director. From the Consumers' Association of Canada: Chris Mitchler, Chair, National Food Committee; Marnie McCall, Director, Research Policy. From the ``Fédération nationale des associations de consommateurs du Québec (FNACQ)'': Elisabeth Hunter, Liaison Officer; Richard Dagenais, Researcher. From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Anne MacKenzie, Director General, Food Inspection Directorate, Food Production and Inspection Branch; Gerry F. Reasbeck, Director, Food Division, Food Inspection Directorate, Food Production and Inspection Branch. From Health Canada: George M. Paterson, Director General, Food Directorate, Health Protection Branch; Paul Mayers, A/Chief, Evaluation Division, Bureau of Microbial Hazards.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of the topic of Biotechnology.
Gordon Surgeoner, Chris Mitchler, Elisabeth Hunter, Richard Dagenais, Anne MacKenzie and George Paterson made opening statements and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 6:35 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1996
(Meeting No. 25)
(Meeting No. 25)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:45 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Charles Caccia, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Raymond Lavigne.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witness: From Queen's University: William Leiss, Chair, Eco Research.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed consideration of the topic of Biotechnology.
William Leiss made an opening statement and answered questions.
At 10:00 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1996
(Meeting No. 26)
(Meeting No. 26)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 3:35 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 112-N, Centre Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Associate Member present: Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From Health Canada: Keith Bailey, Director, Bureau of Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals, Health Protection Branch; Paul Mayers, A/Chief, Evaluation Division, Bureau of Microbial Hazards; Wendy Sexsmith, Director, Alternatives Division, Pest Management Regulatory Agency; Janet Taylor, Director, Product Sustainability & Coordination Division, Pest Management Regulatory Agency. From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Anne MacKenzie, Director General, Food Inspection Directorate, Food Production and Inspection Branch; Margaret Kenny, Associate Director, Biotechnology Strategies and Coordination Office.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of biotechnology.
Keith Bailey and Wendy Sexsmith made opening statements and, with Paul Mayers, Janet Taylor, Margaret Kenny and Anne MacKenzie, answered questions.
By unanimous consent, the Committee proceeded to consider its future business.
On motion of Paul Steckle, it was agreed,--That the draft Report on the Second Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region, Yellowknife, N.W.T., March 13 and 14, 1996 and the Third Ministerial Meeting of the Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy, Inuvik, N.W.T., March 19-21, 1996 be adopted as the Committee's First Report and presented to the House by the Chair and,--That a Government Response be requested by the Committee pursuant to Standing Order 109.
It was agreed,--That the Committee authorize expenditures for Thomas Curran, Research Officer, Library of Parliament to attend the Conference entitled ``Risk Assessment at the Crossroad'' to be held in Ottawa June 23-26, 1996.
By unanimous consent, the Committee reverted to its consideration of biotechnology.
At 5:40 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1996
(Meeting No. 27)
(Meeting No. 27)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 9:05 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Charles Caccia, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Karen Kraft Sloan, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Gurbax Singh Malhi for Raymond Lavigne.
Associate Members present: John Finlay and Clifford Lincoln.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From the Interdepartmental Committee on Biotechnology: John Banigan, Chair, Assistant Deputy Minister, Industry Sector, Industry Canada; Terry Walker, Special Advisor, Biotechnology Regulations, Chemicals and Bio-Industries Branch, Industry Canada; Margaret Kenny, Chair, Sub-Group on Safety and Regulations, Associate Director, Biotechnology Strategies and Coordination Office, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. From Environment Canada: Desmond Mahon, Chief, New Substances Division, Commercial Chemical Evaluation Branch.
By unanimous consent, the Committee proceeded to consider its future business.
It was agreed,--That a meeting be held on Monday, June 17, 1996 at 3:30 p.m. to discuss future business, namely: an interim report on biotechnology, research notes on Main Estimates 1996-97 and other business.
It was agreed,--That the Research Notes of the Library of Parliament regarding the Main Estimates 1996-97 be forwarded, after discussion in Committee, to the Minister of the Environment and Government House Leader.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of Biotechnology.
John Banigan and Margaret Kenny made opening statements and, with Terry Walker and Desmond Mahon, answered questions.
At 11:05 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
MONDAY, JUNE 17, 1996
(Meeting No. 28)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
(Meeting No. 28)
The Evidence for this meeting is not available because it was held in camera.
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met in camera at 3:50 o'clock p.m. this day, in Room 269, West Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Gérard Asselin, Charles Caccia, Paul Forseth, Gar Knutson and Karen Kraft Sloan.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Jean Payne.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee proceeded to the consideration of a Draft Interim Report on the topic of Biotechnology.
It was agreed,--That the Draft Report be adopted as the Committee Second Report to the House and that the Chair present the said Report to the House when appropriate.
It was agreed,--That the Committee request a Government Response to the Report, pursuant to Standing Order 109.
At 4:30 o'clock p.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 1996
(Meeting No. 29)
(Meeting No. 29)
The Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development met at 8:45 o'clock a.m. this day, in Room 237-C, Centre Block, the Chair, Charles Caccia, presiding.
Members of the Committee present: Peter Adams, Charles Caccia, Monique Guay, Gar Knutson, Raymond Lavigne, Jean Payne and Paul Steckle.
Acting Member present: Clifford Lincoln for Karen Kraft Sloan.
In attendance: From the Research Branch of the Library of Parliament: Kristen Douglas and Thomas Curran, Research Officers.
Witnesses: From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Brian Morrissey, Assistant Deputy Minister, Research Branch; Margaret Kenny, Associate Director, Biotechnology Strategies and Coordination Office. From Health Canada: Paul Mayers, A/Chief, Evaluation Division, Bureau of Microbial Hazards. From Environment Canada: Desmond Mahon, Chief, New Substances Division, Commercial Chemicals Evaluation Branch.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2), the Committee resumed its consideration of the topic of Biotechnology.
Brian Morrissey made an opening statement and, with the other witnesses, answered questions.
At 11:12 o'clock a.m., the Committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.
Normand Radford
Clerk of the Committee