Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I understand the intention behind the amendment proposed by my Conservative colleagues, and I am very sympathetic. However, I have a reservation.
I understand that no one wants there to be an incomplete board of directors or that there be positions vacant for more than six months. I also understand that giving the power to the ports would enable them to put a degree of pressure on the minister, since the cabinet would say that the minister should hurry up and appoint someone or else the port would appoint someone itself after a few months. However, six months after someone departs seems a little short to me, if we take into account the time needed for consulting people and for receiving and analyzing applications.
I might propose a subamendment to set a 12‑month deadline, which would be more reasonable.