Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I would like to welcome the deputy minister. On December 3, 2007, your government announced the eligibility requirements for $1.5 billion in biofuel production incentives available through the ecoENERGY initiative. That policy is intended to increase corn ethanol production from 212 million litres in 2003 to over 3 billion litres in the coming years; quite an ambitious plan.
Have you analyzed how much energy is spent through corn ethanol combustion compared with how much energy is needed to produce corn ethanol? Has your department done such an assessment? If so, could you table it with us?
I was also surprised by a number of studies that show that 1,700 litres of fresh water are needed to produce a singe litre of ethanol, and that 12 litres of noxious waste are released into the environment, including pesticides and fertilizers.
Earlier, you spoke about a guideline from the Prime Minister's Office concerning regulations. I would like to remind you that another guideline dating back 25 years calls on all departments to conduct a strategic environmental review of policies, plans and programs put forward by the federal government and departments.
Have you carried out a strategic environmental review of your biofuel production incentives policy, particularly with regard to corn ethanol production? Is there such a strategic environmental review? If so, could you table it with the committee?