Digging Deep in Huge Environment Dept Spending Increases

Following up on my earlier questioning of Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault, I wanted to ask his officials (primarily Chris Forbes, Deputy Minister) some detailed spending questions. Spending in this department is increasing at double or more on many programs – how can the Minister of Finance spend responsibly and constrain inflation when this Department is enjoying such skyrocketing spending? What results are we getting from this huge investment?

00:00:00 – The environment budget has gone up 42% and grants are up to $1.23 billion versus $577 million last year. Should this be considered overspending on new programming?
00:00:37 – No
00:00:40 – Can you tell us what the $45 million spending for Canada’s International Finance grants and contributions is for?
00:01:24 – This helps developing countries adapt to climate change. Canada’s total commitment is over $5 billion over five years
00:02:46 – The Low Carbon Economy fund expands from $243 million to $666 million. Why is it more than doubling? Is it accomplishing anything?
00:03:00 – The program was launched in 2022 so we don’t have any information on it yet
00:03:30 – The Conserving Nature fund goes to $430 million from $220 million. Is the plan to plant 2 billion trees under this program?
00:03:44 – No, that money is with Natural Resources Canada.
00:03:48 – There is a lot of money at the Minister’s discretion for hiring outside consultants. Which consultants are providing you with data, some of which is highly suspect?
00:04:46 – We have lots of sources.