Mr. Chair, this amendment we are proposing is to clause 51. We propose adding after line 6 the following: “It includes any physical activity that is incidental to the physical activity described in paragraphs (a) to (d).” This amendment is technical in nature to correct an omission that occurred during drafting.
In the text, the words “incidental activities” are unintentionally omitted from the description of what the respective offshore boards would consider in an environmental assessment. The amendment ensures that the accord acts are consistent with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The inclusion of incidental activities ensures that the environmental assessment considers the activities or structures related to or required for the proposed project, as per the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, as well. It also is a prerequisite to provide the offshore boards with all of the powers necessary to be designated as responsible authorities for environmental assessments under the act and with the ability to assess the entirety of a project.