Transport committee  That's right.

Transport committee  Yes.

Transport committee  There's only one presentation.

Transport committee  That was in relation to the discussion paper that was posted online and input was asked for by then, but certainly it doesn't mean that we closed consultation. We're taking input and we're taking consideration.

Transport committee  I don't know the exact date, but there's a very tight time frame prior to tabling in which final amendments can still be introduced.

Transport committee  Those considerations were taken into account, yes.

Transport committee  I will start. Good morning, everyone. I do have a deck and I will keep it to five minutes. I think in the interest of time, I will jump in exactly to the proposed legislative changes rather than doing a long introduction.

Transport committee  I will set the context a little bit. The government has been engaging broadly over a number of years to set up and launch the oceans protection plan, and this engagement is ongoing as it moves through implementation of the oceans protection plan. This suite of legislative amendments that we are discussing today is one of the commitments and important measures in that regard within the oceans protection plan.

Transport committee  I would like to add an explanation to elaborate on what I said earlier about how the regulatory process that is proposed here is the standard regulatory process that requires quite a bit of transparency. There is publication of proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette and a prescribed consultation process before any changes are approved.

Transport committee  I will just say that the way the clause is written—that the “Governor in Council may, by regulation, amend the schedule”—the regulatory process under the Governor in Council does include transparency and consultation and is part of that process. So that process would indeed be followed.

Transport committee  I think we've covered it already.

Transport committee  I would just add a clarification that the Statutory Instruments Act is deemed not to apply in this legislation because its requirements would not allow quick and timely possibility for an exemption, in the way this exemption is suggested, so that unforeseen circumstances could be dealt with quickly.

Transport committee  I just want to clarify that the exemption from the Statutory Instruments Act applies only to clause 6, the exemption clause. It does not apply to the entire legislation, so it allows for an exemption clause to be exercised. We believe that's sufficient in that case.

Transport committee  I'm not able to answer that question. I think transparency is being suggested through other amendments that are coming up. (Amendment negatived [See Minutes of Proceedings])

Transport committee  Right in clause 6 it's very clear that the minister “may, by order, exempt an identified oil tanker”. It is very clear in legal terms—and we have our lawyer here as well—that that's per vessel, so by individual vessel. The intent is that typically exemptions have to be documented, and if there ever were a legal challenge, the intent is that a particular vessel would meet the exemption test, which would be within the spirit of the legislation and would need to withstand court scrutiny.