I have a bit of a different understanding than Mr. Strahl does on this one.
The amendment that we voted on prior to the break essentially reaffirmed the government's own commitment to phase out thermal coal exports by 2030. The date in that amendment is the date of the commitment.
The challenge, and the amendment that we worked hard to include, had to do with the consultation with the relevant trade unions that are involved in the export of thermal coal, to ensure that topics like the continuation of collective agreements, pension bridging and securing other opportunities in marine transportation are discussed with them prior to the phase-out coming into effect. That amendment, which carried, now compels the government to consult those unions and discuss those matters with the people who are most affected.
My concern is that, if this entire statute doesn't come into force until January 1, 2031, there's nothing to compel the government to engage in those consultations prior to that date. It's going to be a process leading up to the phase-out. What we want is for the government to consult the workers as soon as possible. Hopefully, those consultations are already under way. It sounded from our discussions with the officials like they aren't in a formal way, but they should engage those groups as soon as possible.
My concern is that, if we support this amendment, the work that we've done to compel the government to have those conversations won't actually come into effect until 2031, which I believe is too late. Therefore, I'll be voting against this amendment.