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?

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Hon. Peter Kent (Minister of the Environment, CPC):

Mr. Speaker, the assumptions being made in that question are pure nonsense.

[English]

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.

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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?

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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.

via Official Report * Table of Contents * Number 028 (Official Version).