Natural Resources committee  This gives me a final opportunity to emphasize how important this is to Nova Scotia. Many people are looking at Nova Scotia as a leader in wind. Sectors are already here, engaging and working on their plans. We do need the amendments to pass to take the next steps with consulta

Natural Resources committee  There's no application before this government for that to move forward. We don't have the amendments passed here in Bill C-49 to move forward, to even have that conversation. There's no application; there's nothing we're looking at as a government. I believe the staff have cert

Natural Resources committee  I would echo those comments. We have no issue whatsoever with questioning the amendments that are put forward. We have no issue with debate whatsoever. For my department, working with our federal counterparts, it's been almost two years in the making, if not more, to get to thi

Natural Resources committee  Absolutely, regional assessments are taking place right now out in the field. The first report and conversations are due at the end of March. We as a department are also already hearing from the fishers and other stakeholders out in the water. Quite frankly, we're not interested

Natural Resources committee  I guess what I would say is that there has to be coexistence. We know that fossil fuels have a pathway into that piece of the puzzle until 2050. We're happy, as a province, with where these amendments are and where they're going. I think we have to take the recommendations of the

Natural Resources committee  The Province of Nova Scotia and this government certainly believe that this bill needs to move forward, and we believe in the amendments that have been put forward.

Natural Resources committee  That would be very, very close to what the rates are right now, with the price of coal and things, but at the end of the day—

Natural Resources committee  I wish coal was four and a half cents. Right now, today, we will do everything that is possible and make the best decisions for the ratepayers of Nova Scotia.

Natural Resources committee  No. This is not a new bill. There are amendments to what already exists. The board exists. I have total faith in the board. It's something that's needed in Nova Scotia to move the green economy and the green jobs.

Natural Resources committee  Certainly. I think I've elaborated quite extensively today on how important this is to Nova Scotians, to our clean energy sector and to opportunities that are sitting at our feet right now. There are many opportunities at our desk. Certainly, our government supports the amendment

Natural Resources committee  I guess what I would say to you is that we agree with the amendments to Bill C-49. We worked very hard. It was co-created with both provincial and federal counterparts, with both departments working very steadfastly on this. We have a board that we want as the regulatory regime

Natural Resources committee  What I'd say back to that is that I did say that this coexisted. Decisions made for the offshore wind are recommendations from the board. They have to be decisions that are communicated between both ministers.

Natural Resources committee  I already answered you on that. We believe in the amendments to this bill. We believe—

Natural Resources committee  Obviously, I can't speak for the investors. What I can do, as minister and a representative of this government, is advocate to them. We want these investors here in Nova Scotia. This is a legislative process that is going through. Would I like to see this done right away for th

Natural Resources committee  Thank you very much for that. I certainly appreciate it. It's very important. I was a tradesperson before politics, so I know how many people left the province within my own trade, and now they're looking to come back. On the speed of this, I'll be quite honest. There are peopl