Madam Chair, this amendment follows from the Governor in Council's ability to make regulations to designate ecologically sensitive areas. The preceding proposed subsection defines what an ecologically sensitive area is.
This amendment puts forward a process by which another government at a provincial level or an indigenous government—described in my amendment as an “Indigenous governing body”—can request the creation of the designation of an ecologically sensitive area. It also sets out that the minister must respond within 90 days, and with reasons.
It certainly would be advantageous for indigenous governing bodies and provincial governments to be able to take proposals for ecologically sensitive areas to the minister.
(Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])