According to my understanding of the amendment, the current structure, whereby the minister makes his decision, remains. We wish to add other parties, however, to the consultation before the minister makes his decision. I do not understand, from my reading of the proposal made, that it is intended that the minister’s decision should be conditional on the approval of the people consulted. These people will have the opportunity to express their interests before the decision is made, but in the end someone has to decide. From what I understand, the minister would continue to do so, as the current provision stipulates.
On June 6th, 2006. See this statement in context.