Thank you, Chair.
I don't have a lot of history here. I'm following the lead of my colleague. However, I would like to challenge your ruling on this.
If the committee will indulge me, I'll explain why our side disagrees with this.
Protection zones apply in areas that are typically areas of land not owned or regulated by the federal government. Water is also a resource with some exceptions, such as navigable waters, which are regulated by the provincial governments. This amendment is consistent with the requirement in paragraph 6(1)(b) that first nation, federal, provincial and territorial governments need to agree on “an approach to coordinate the application of” each government's laws in protection zones. The onus of reaching the agreement would be on the federal minister, not the first nation or provincial government. This addresses concerns raised by the nations about having to take the lead in negotiating these agreements. It would also stipulate what the agreement would likely already include and require it to be part of that.
While protection zones remain undefined in the bill, we need to carefully consider their impacts. I understand we are still working on that definition, so this may become a factor later. These zones, depending on where and how big they are, could affect a large number of individuals who reside or work in an area. There needs to be clear consideration of how first nation laws will be implemented, shared with those who reside and work in these zones, and enforced.