Here are some comments from Geoff Regan who acted as the Natural Resources critic for the Liberal party. He may become the Minister of Natural Resources next. This is not in depth enough for us to really know how they will change the EA's but it looks like they to intend to make some changes. Clearly they want to expand the EA to cover a greater environmental impact. I'm not sure if that will require more baseline reports, etc.

If Teck gets their act together maybe they can apply under the current rules and then any changes won't affect us—but they'll have to hurry up.

The Conservatives have made streamlining the permitting process for major projects a priority. What are your thoughts on this?

When I was the Fisheries and Oceans Minister, I worked closely with the then-Natural Resources Minister, trying to streamline and improve the permitting process. My stance was that environmental assessments should be thorough, but provide the applicant with an evidence based yes or no answer within a reasonable timeframe. I don’t think anyone would argue that the past process didn’t need improvement, but the Conservatives went too far with their recent changes.

The Conservative changes take focus away from environmental impacts during the assessment process. To say, for example, that you’re only concerned about bodies of water that contain commercially-fished species means you’re not actually concerned with the true environmental impact — you’re only concerned with the economic impact. For a government that’s responsible for protecting our environment, only looking at the economic impact of natural resource projects is an odd way of going about it.

Collaboration with and respect for First Nations groups is a key concern for mining, and oil and gas companies. What are your thoughts on the importance of First Nations consultation regarding these projects?

[I've cut out the earlier bits about training, etc., to leave in this bit which seems to show an intention for more government oversight and a hands-on approach.] It happens too often that the federal government stands at arm’s length from the consultation process. Government has the responsibility to ensure meaningful consultation and collaboration. There have been occasions where companies have been very successful at managing the process, but we think the Canadian government has a greater responsibility — to ensure that collaboration and engagement which respects Aboriginal rights is sustained throughout all engagements with Aboriginal communities.