Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Thebacha, that Bill 36, An Act to Amend the Petroleum Resources Act, be read for the second time.
This bill amends the Petroleum Resources Act to:
- clarify the authority of the Minister to delegate to a person the powers, duties, and functions assigned to the Minister;
- require the publication of additional notices respecting activities under the act;
- require that specified licences be made publicly available;
- amend the criteria for an interest-holder to be eligible for Significant Discovery Licence and restrict the term of the Significant Discovery Licence;
- add consideration of Indigenous traditional knowledge and input from Indigenous organizations when appointing board members;
- increase public representation on Environmental Studies Management Board;
- clarify the requirements respecting conflicts of interest and remuneration of board members;
- require the disclosure of greater amounts of information with respect to activities in Environmental Studies Research Fund;
- require the disclosure of greater amounts of information and clarify the obligations of the Minister and regulator with respect to the confidentiality of information received by either of them; and
- correct inconsistencies and errors identified in the act.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.