I share your concern. Thank you.
Mr. Steedman, perhaps I could ask you a question. Regarding the proposed NEB assessments under the act, interested parties are going to be defined as persons “directly affected by the carrying out of a designated project” or if the person has “relevant information or expertise”. We also know that under Bill C-38 the minister is going to have the power to dictate who should be defined as a directly affected person, therefore giving him the power to specify who will be allowed to speak, for instance, in pipeline reviews.
Given that the current minister and this government seem to have made unprecedented attacks against environmental groups, I'm really worried that this is quite an undemocratic principle. I'm wondering how you feel about the minister's ability to define “directly affected” persons, and what is your definition? Do you expect to have any conflict with the minister on this?