They provide a framework that other countries are operating under.
Let's take the example of Argentina. It's a good one. I was just on the phone yesterday with CEDHA, which you may know is an environmental and human rights group that was set up by the former environment minister of Argentina. Why would they welcome this legislation if they believe in the internal environmental process in Argentina? The answer is rather straightforward. First of all, they would hope that Canadian officials, when looking at the performance of Canadian mining companies abroad, would take account of whatever is happening in Argentina. There's nothing that tells the minister, do your own environmental assessment, or do your own hearing on what's happening with the mine. It says, take complaints and inform yourself. Informing yourself could mean, obviously, taking account of the process that is working in those countries.
What's the leverage that CEDHA sees as provided by this legislation? Well, it's at least twofold. First, they can say to a Swiss company or to a Belgian company, look at the standards that Canadian companies are subject to; you should be subject to those standards as well. Second, they can say to their environment ministry, Canadian companies have undertaken to abide by these standards; these are internationally recognized standards, so enforce them.
So this is not about substituting Canadian enforcement capacity for Argentinian enforcement capacity. It is actually, I think, about providing some appropriate assistance to those who are trying to hold mining companies accountable for the operations they're undertaking.
I would simply say that if one looks, just as a jurist, at the legislation, there isn't anything in the legislation that suggests double jeopardy, that suggests that if, after an Argentinian environmental assessment, you have been found to be conducting your operations fully in compliance with local laws, you have to have a second hearing in Canada on the same issue. That's not the way the complaints process works. If anything, the complaint would be rejected as frivolous and vexatious.