The department continues to deliver programs and services with conflicting values and functions. The committee was concerned about the department's ability to equitably balance its core functions, environmental protection and economic development. Although the department explained that it relies upon its Sustainable Development Policy to balance these core functions, committee members remain unconvinced.
The committee pointed out that communities and the department have on several occasions experienced a lack of coordination in their firefighting efforts. Better coordination will result in a reduction of damage and a more efficient, economical and effective allocation of limited resources. The department agreed with the committee and explained that a list of priorities (protection of human life, community infrastructure and property, natural resources including species at risk and cultural sites, in that order) has been adopted by the department in its fire suppression efforts. The committee urges full consultation and coordination between the department and the communities to improve fire suppression.
The department reported that revised emission standards are being developed. The committee noted that in some jurisdictions, certain emission standards are industry-specific and as a result may place unfair and expensive restrictions on a particular sector. Committee members received assurances from the department that the air quality standards, existing and proposed, are and will be applicable to all northern industries.