Speech

Check against Delivery

Good morning everyone.

I’m here today to present an integrated environmental monitoring plan for a key driver of our Canadian economy now and for generations to come—the Alberta oil sands.

Canada's rich resources are a driver of economic growth and we must ensure that we develop them in an environmentally sustainable way for the benefit of generations to come.

This plan expands and complements the Lower Athabasca Water Quality Monitoring Plan, which I announced in late March, to include the monitoring of air and biodiversity.

It retains the sound components of existing monitoring efforts, changes those elements that require change, increases the number of monitoring locations, and provides for improved scientific measurement of any impact downstream and downwind in Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and Manitoba.

Environment Canada mobilized its scientific capacity to coordinate the development of this plan, with our partners in the government of Alberta, with their scientists, and with neighboring provincial and territorial scientists, and others in the broader academic community.

We have common cause with our partners and with all Canadians—we want a world-class monitoring system to protect the economic future of our industry, while we ensure an environmentally sustainable production in the best way we can.

By collecting data and monitoring these three key elements—air, water and biodiversity with the Province of Alberta—Canadians will be provided with scientifically credible information on the environmental performance of this vital industry, information Canadians can count on—for generations to come.

It will also provide the foundation of solid science necessary to provide governments and industry with the information that they need to provide assurance—at home and abroad—that the development of the oil sands is being done in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Industry is expanding production, and with its environmental footprint, we need evidence that the growing production is environmentally responsible.

If Canadians want the benefits of billions of dollars invested in state-of-the-art technology, new equipment, the employment and training of workers, we must also take responsibility for protecting the environment.

Our government agrees. Industry agrees and Canadians expect it.

Our government and the government of Alberta are both committed to improve efforts in our respective areas of jurisdiction…

Just as we made sure to review our science with the appropriate experts in crafting this plan, we intend to move forward in a collaborative approach.

Jurisdiction over environmental issues is shared between provinces, territories and the federal government… and co-operation is imperative to ensure that every aspect of oil sands development gets the scrutiny it deserves.

That’s because the path we set for the environmental performance of the oil sands today leads far into the future. We have taken the time and the advice to get it right.

And we have worked with Alberta, the owner of the resource.

You don’t set out on a journey such as this without a map... and that’s what this plan is. It’s a map for environmental excellence… for prosperity… for our future... and pride in a job well done.

On a recent visit in Calgary, Prime Minister Harper noted that we are the party of original conservationists.

As committed here today, we will continue to advance and enhance practices of good stewardship and sustainability.

One final note: I’d like to thank the many scientists who, once again, contributed to this initiative. But, while I’m proud of the work that has been done, I’m also well aware of the work that remains.

Thank you.