Mr. Chair, this would, again, go to the testimony we heard time and again that the consultation process has been less than stellar. I guess it could be argued that—and I heard it earlier today—at what amount do we say there has been enough consultation. I think the problem was can we please everybody? I'm not quite sure we can, but we need to make sure we're doing our due diligence in every facet of review.
What we are suggesting here is that consensus is required for an MPA to be accepted by as many stakeholders as possible, and therefore sustainable. As the federal strategy states:
The concept of consultation and collaboration is essential to the development and implementation of the federal marine protected areas network and its individual components – its success depends on how well various interests are able to work together.
What we are suggesting, Mr. Chair, is that clause 6 be amended by adding, after line 22 on page 4, the following:
(4.1) The Minister, before making a recommendation under subsection (1), shall (a) consult with other ministers, boards and agencies of the Government of Canada, as well as with any provincial governments, persons or bodies that the Minister considers to be interested in the matter; (b) ensure that any scientific or socio-economic review of the area has been conducted; and (c) publish, on the departmental website for a period of at least one year before the recommendation is given, the proposed designation, including the boundaries and any activities, prohibitions and exemptions proposed to be set under section 35.1.
This, Mr. Chair, is all in the spirit of consultation and accountability.
Thank you.