The first consequence is the ability to circumvent most impact assessment and environmental laws. We also question the fact that, as we see with the right to strike, powers are centralized with the minister.
Therefore, this ability is problematic. Many provisions include the notion of a region of national interest, the definition of which is very unclear. There's being able to pre-approve projects or impose only a few conditions to enable projects to move forward before the impact assessment is even done. Also, new rights-of-way of under 300 kilometres may not be subject to an impact assessment process at all. Finally, as Ms. Senneville said in her opening remarks, there is the possibility of splitting up projects.
As far as the environment is concerned, we think that, even though the impact assessment laws will continue to exist, the current version of the bill will simply make it possible to circumvent them.