Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I obviously haven't seen what Mr. Badawey is proposing in writing. I would like a copy of the subamendment. However, if I understand correctly, it would essentially amount to wearing a belt and suspenders. At the last committee meeting, we passed amendment BQ‑3.2, which allowed the government to amend the letters patent of port authorities to enable a port authority to operate jointly with other port authorities.
Amendment BQ‑4.1 allows port authorities to carry out joint ventures. What I understand is the government is looking to add the element requiring that the letters patent be amended in advance. In my opinion, that was included in amendment BQ‑3.2, which the committee has already adopted.
However, if the government wishes to add specifics to ensure that everything is clear and that the paragraphs don't contradict each other, I will gladly support the subamendment. Having said that, I'd like to see the text first, of course.
Amendment BQ‑3.1 was not adopted. Personally, the fact that amendment BQ‑3.2 was adopted despite that reassures me. This amendment requires the government to authorize activities by amending the letters patent of the ports. Before a port decides to carry out an activity, it must ask the government to amend its letter patent. After that, the ports carry out their joint venture. So the government has some control over that.
Obviously, if the intent is to wear suspenders with a belt, the Senate still has the option of resurrecting the failed amendment BQ‑3.1. Of course, personally, I would have preferred that the committee also adopt that amendment.
