Reading through it, it isn't very clear, in my mind, whether that is the case. I hope the implementation framework will clarify that, but I don't see this in the bill itself.
I also want to ask about subclause 2(6).
Nature Canada has been adamant that unless we change the current rules—that is, both the act and the regulations under it—we're going to see more genetically engineered organisms escaping into the wild. In their words, “With nature already on the ropes, wild species do not need this new threat to their survival.”
They have proposed a number of amendments. I want to highlight a couple of these. One of them is around consultation with indigenous communities.
Given that Canada was the first country to have genetically modified salmon eaten by consumers, sometimes without their knowledge, and the importance of salmon to so many first nations—especially where I live, on the west coast of the Salish Sea—do you agree we need to update subclause 2(6) to ensure that this kind of consultation is happening and that there is an opportunity for the public to participate in these assessments more broadly?