I think that everyone has received a copy of the wording. It deals with withdrawing the subsection that limits the percentage of the alternate financial security. We paid careful attention to the witnesses who appeared on this matter.They told us repeatedly that it would be better for them to have some flexibility in being able to negotiate premiums and insurance. We also know that the minister reserves the right to examine the financial security provided by the operators. Because he has that right, I think that it would be in our interests, particularly when nuclear power plants are operated by a crown corporation, to allow more flexibility in the provision of alternate security.
For example, the witnesses from the Canadian Nuclear Association explained clearly that, with the 50% limit, costs could rise, including the costs to customers, who, it turns out, are also taxpayers. We are referring here to operators that are crown corporations, like Hydro-Québec, New Brunswick Power, and so on. All operators are members of the Canadian Nuclear Association. People from that association told us what the impact of this subsection would be. We think that it would be better for Quebeckers and Canadians as a whole if the operators has more flexibility in negotiating and researching these alternate securities.
So we are proposing that the subsection be removed so that operators have more room to manoeuvre. Since the minister has the authority to examine the securities, we think that he has the tools to make sure the operators fulfill the requirements.