Thank you.
During the five-year review, we had near consensus on what meaningful participation was at the regulatory advisory committee, which comprised industry and first nations and environmental groups. It included a number of criteria that are in my brief, so I won't repeat them. But I will add to that list some work that we've done with the same groups from a research perspective. To define meaningful participation, what we've added to the existing list in my brief are the importance of integrity and accountability, including transparency and clear process intentions; the ability to influence decisions; fair notice and time for participation; and inclusive and adequate representation. Some that are critically important to me are the opportunity for open dialogue and the use of multiple approaches and methods of participation.
In terms of the timing, there are opportunities that could be better used, both within and outside the assessment process as currently legislated, to involve people in decisions that affect them.