We recommend that section 16 of the Act be amended as follows:
(1) by adding the following new subsection 16(1):
"16(1) Before a decision may be made under section 23, the project committee must prepare a public participation plan and conduct a program of public consultation that provides for adequate involvement and consultation with persons concerned about the reviewable project and satisfies any criteria for public participation and consultation prescribed by regulation."
(2) by replacing in subsection (b) "conduct a program of public consultation" with "participate in a program of public consultation conducted under subsection (1)".
We recommend that section 36 of the Act be amended as follows:
(1) by adding the following new subsection 36(1):
"36(1) Before a decision may be made under section 39, the project committee must implement a public participation plan and conduct a program of public consultation that provides for adequate involvement and consultation with persons concerned about the reviewable project and satisfies any criteria for public participation and consultation prescribed by regulation."
(2) by replacing in subsection (b) "conduct a program of public information and public consultation" with "participate in a program of public information and public consultation conducted under subsection (1)"