They will, only insofar as they won't be limited to EDC. They will have the power to review any extractive case, not just those cases that receive the support of EDC. But as we discussed, they're hamstrung. Unless corporations grant their explicit consent to participate, no investigation will take place. I think it's important to go back to the advisory group report and remember that it was a consensus report. The presidents and CEOs of the two major mining associations in this country endorsed the idea of an ombudsman who would have the power to compel corporations to participate in investigations. If the heads of industry associations were willing to implement that kind of mechanism, it's a shame that the government has not. Again, I think this bill addresses that shortcoming by creating a complaints mechanism before which companies will be forced to come forward.
On October 22nd, 2009. See this statement in context.