Mr. Chair, it appears in the new legislation that reports undertaken for proponents will stop the clock on the timelines that will be undertaken by environmental reviews, but it is not as clear if first nations will ever interact with decision makers under the act. This is because many decisions made under the budget implementation act will be made by cabinet.
The Minister of Finance could not answer this question at committee today, even though it is his bill. Hopefully the minister will be able to answer the question.
Could the minister please advise if reports under section 23(2), which are suitable for stopping the clock under section 27(6), include studies undertaken for the purpose of consultation?