Ms Suzanne Drisdelle:

In response to Senator Higgins, I would like to highlight a few things. One is that Canada, Ireland and the EU share climate change and environmental goals. We have exactly the same goals.

While it is true that Canada is very resource dependent and its economy has traditionally been based on the energy sector, I reiterate that with Canada's strengthened climate change strategy, announced in December, and for the past ten years, the transition to the carbon economy is happening. It is something that companies are involved in whether they like it or not. The energy transition in Canada does involve the oil and gas sector. It is making investments in new technologies for increased efficiency, reduced emissions and alternative forms of energy. This must happen in collaboration with the sector. The chapters in CETA that touch on environment include one in which various climate commitments are regularly discussed within the context of CETA and its joint committees. We are with the EU and are in step with each other in addressing climate change. I do not see CETA as being contrary to that.