Thank you, Chair.
Mr. Christie, as I'm sure you know, there are two hydroelectric dams located in the city of Powell River. The dams were built more than 100 years ago to power the local pulp mill, creating thousands of jobs. They quite literally built the city of Powell River. About 10 years ago, that mill fell into financial trouble. It was forced to sell the dams as distressed assets to a small company called Brookfield Renewables. That company has since applied for an electricity export permit to send that electricity out of Canada to the United States, in the middle of a trade war, with no or very little benefit to the people who live in the region, the province and the country.
About one month ago, as the local member of Parliament, I submitted a letter to the Canada Energy Regulator demanding public hearings in the city of Powell River at the earliest possible opportunity regarding Brookfield's permit request. This would give the people who the regulator's decision will affect the most the chance to have their say. Here we are, one month later, and there is still no response.
My question for you is, why the silence? Will the regulator commit to holding public hearings in the city of Powell River regarding this very important issue?