Environment committee  I'm not sure I agree with that. The independence of a committee relates to its ability to conduct studies and provide whatever information and advice it collectively deems appropriate. A committee always has terms of reference.

Environment committee  I think the objective of the amendment is to emphasize that there is an expectation that the committee's advice will be independent.

Environment committee  Again, you're essentially asking a legal question. I don't think there's anything in subclause 20(1) that indicates that the committee's advice will not be independent, and there's certainly nothing in the bill that indicates that the minister can influence or dictate what advice

Environment committee  I don't think the amendment changes the minister's obligations in any way.

Environment committee  That's correct.

Environment committee  I'm seeing that Madam Pauzé wants to jump in here. I think the answer to that likely depends on other amendments that would determine what is meant by “expert”. In other words, an expert in what?

Environment committee  Yes.

Environment committee  It's is not defined by this amendment, per se.

Environment committee  I'm sorry, but I don't understand your question.

Environment committee  This specific amendment establishes an independent expert committee. Madam Pauzé has also referred to other amendments that would provide more detail and specification about the nature of the advice that the committee must provide. The basic architecture of the bill, of course,

Environment committee  There are a couple of things. First of all, I didn't suggest that the term “independent” has no legal meaning. I think I was trying to say that the committee established under section 20 is authorized to provide advice without influence from the minister. This amendment would e

Environment committee  I'm not sure what the question was. You were asking why there is a disparity?

Environment committee  I think that's an issue for—

Environment committee  I think you're asking me to speculate about what was on witnesses' minds. I'm not here to do that.

Environment committee  What's the difference between what?