I acknowledge the answer. It’s not one that obviously builds a lot of confidence, if the Minister doesn’t even know if he’s being updated on this important project. To my knowledge this government has taken no public position on such crucial Giant Mine issues as independent oversight, ongoing research, or public reporting. Because of the way that DIAND is running this project, both as
regulator and proponent, other governments find themselves in a curious position when it comes to the environmental assessment.
Given the dismal recent record of DIAND on public accountability and refusal to support investigation of independent oversight, it’s obvious that pressure needs to be applied to get this department to mend its ways and perhaps participate. What is the position of this government on the need for creation of an arm’s length and independent oversight body to monitor and review project planning and implementation?