Environment committee  Thank you for your question, Ms. Pauzé. The various amendments put forward around the table aiming at strengthening accountability would avoid shifting the burden onto future generations. Mr. Fauteux discussed the recent decision in Germany, which is an interesting one and reminds the government that we can't continually delay the measures that need to be taken and that it's essential to deal with these very difficult problems nowx.

Environment committee  Thank you for your question, Ms. Saks. I'll answer in French, if that's okay with you.

Environment committee  To follow up on a comment from Ms. McLeod, it's not too late to amend what's already there and make sure that the body is independent and science-based. Provided that the necessary details are in the act, it's possible. The body's terms of reference could then be adjusted, and some would be easy to deal with.

Environment committee  Thank you for your question, Ms. Pauzé. It is indeed essential to specify in the bill the terms of reference of the advisory body, as well as the selection criteria and the required expertise. There have been proposals about this, for example in an amendment to subclause 21(2), which is based on other climate laws in force around the world.

Environment committee  Thank you, Mr. Bachrach, for this excellent question. Yes, I think we can build on some of the best practices that we have been looking at in other jurisdictions. I would say there are two—perhaps more, but at least two—main criteria we can look at and should include in the legislation.

Environment committee  There are several reasons why it's urgent to adopt a good bill, including the fact that if the government does nothing to address climate issues, it will be harmful to Canada and all Canadians, and come at a very high price, not to mention the repercussions that our inaction might have internationally.

Environment committee  Thank you for your question, Mr. Baker. We are categorically not against the adoption of this bill, and we agree entirely with Mr. Fauteux. As we pointed out, this bill is essential. We have to develop a legislative framework in response to the climate emergency, but if we are going to legislate, we might as well do it right.

Environment committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'd like to thank the members of the committee for having invited me to testify. The adoption of a climate act is urgent and necessary, and we welcome the tabling of this bill. However, if the act is to have the means to achieve its ambitions, we believe that the bill must be improved.