Some of these limits were addressed in the modernization of the Quebec Environment Quality Act. I would draw a parallel with the preamble of Bill C-69 which indicates that the public will now be consulted on the content of the impact study guideline, at the very beginning of the process, which should be useful once the project is before the BAPE.
The appointment process has also been changed. The BAPE has more mechanisms at its disposal. There are now targeted consultations, although mediation is still possible. There are several public participation mechanisms that are possible.
Indeed, in Quebec, the decision remains political. Apparently, what justified the use of that model in the beginning was the idea that the Quebec nation is so small that a rigorous, credible report that had the public's trust could have enough influence and create sufficient political pressure that the proper decision would be made.
Canada's case is different and it is important that decisions be surrounded by a much stronger framework. We must not only consider certain factors or reports; the decisions really have to be based on that. We must also have the opportunity of appealing those decisions. I think that that is the great weakness of the Quebec system, which we would not like to see repeated here.