Evidence of meeting #114 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was see.
A recording is available from Parliament.
NDP
Linda Duncan NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
This is under the section on public participation, public costs, public engagement, public funding, page 120. My amendment will take out section 74 and add a new provision after section 75. That provision says that:
The Regulator must establish, within the corporation, a Public Intervenor Office to manage any participant funding program established under section 75, advise the Regulator on the appropriate mechanisms and timing of engagement activities and, on a voluntary basis, represent the interests and views of parties, the public—and, if appropriate, the Indigenous peoples of Canada and Indigenous organizations—on matters within the Regulator's mandate.
Then it goes on about establishing the processes to engage with the public and in particular with indigenous peoples, and also that it may co-ordinate scientific and technical studies to the extent possible and could develop pools of independent experts. That's very important to intervenors and is raised quite frequently. To provide third-party independent advice and ensure information provided by the proponents, the regulator and the Public Intervenor Office is searchable, transparent, well-organized, and not subject to change so it can facilitate public access.
Conservative
Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC
Is this amendment in order because it's creating a whole new office. It is establishing the public intervenor office, which has costs attached to it.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
Yes, it is within the scope. It's that debate we had earlier. We're not going to have it again, but I get your point.
Conservative
Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC
I'm raising it again. I think it's outside the scope of the legislation.
NDP
Liberal
Conservative
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
It is sinking in but I had the discussion with the experts at the back, and I am resolved that this is okay. It's within the scope.
On NDP-74, shall the amendment carry?
Conservative
Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC
I'd like a recorded vote.
(Amendment negatived: nays 8; yeas 1 [See Minutes of Proceedings])
Liberal
John Aldag Liberal Cloverdale—Langley City, BC
What is being proposed here by Mr. Bossio is straightforward. It's before you, so I suggest we vote.
Conservative
Ed Fast Conservative Abbotsford, BC
Actually I would like to have an explanation from Mr. Aldag. Mr. Bossio entrusted him with the explanation.
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Deb Schulte
They have waited a long time to help us, so go ahead and help us today.
Liberal
