Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that clause 22 of Bill 34 be amended by adding the following after subclause (7.2):

(7.3) The Minister shall, upon request of a municipality, consider designating an area as a restricted area within which interests in minerals may not be issued for a period of up to one year, if

(a) the Minister considers that the designation is required urgently and for a temporary period;

(b) the area is located within the boundaries of the municipality;

(c) the area contains sufficient municipal infrastructure or public utilities which could be negatively impacted by mineral development; and

(d) the area is no larger than necessary.

(7.4) If the Minister receives a request from a municipality for a designation under subsection (7.3), the Minister shall engage with all applicable Indigenous governments and organizations that may have an interest in the proposed designation.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.