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Decentralized Democracy

House Hansard - 197

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 15, 2023 11:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 197 - May/15/23
Ms. Monique Pauzé (Repentigny, BQ)
  • May/15/23 4:46:45 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill S-5 
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague. We are both members of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. He talked about the right to a healthy environment. Although that right has been added to the government's mission, the bill does not create a true right. In Quebec, that right was incorporated into the Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms in 2007. Does my colleague think that it is time to have the courage to open the Constitution to formally include this right in the charter?
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Context: House Hansard - 197 - May/15/23
Mr. Patrick Weiler
  • May/15/23 4:47:21 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill S-5 
Mr. Speaker, our best option to protect the environment would indeed be to include this right in the Constitution. I know that would be more difficult, because it requires the support of all the provinces. Other countries have included this right in their constitutions. I would be in favour of that. This bill will give us very good protections, but they require a very good implementation framework. I hope this process can begin shortly and we can make the necessary changes.
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Context: House Hansard - 197 - May/15/23
Mr. Francis Scarpaleggia
  • May/15/23 5:18:53 p.m.
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  • Re: Bill S-5 
Mr. Speaker, it is true that the bill evolves every time we make amendments to it. There is already talk of a second bill in this session of Parliament to further strengthen the act. Perfecting the Canadian Environmental Protection Act is a long-term project, so to speak. I can be less enthusiastic if my colleague would prefer. The member must admit that the whole idea of a right to a healthy environment is a major step forward. Obviously, that right is not set out in the Canadian Constitution, but it will influence all sorts of laws and regulations. It is an important part of the act.
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