Welcome back.
We have indeed heard from quite a number of witnesses since your last visit here. You might even be interested to know that shunting yard noise is on the front page of my local newspaper. We have heard from witnesses, and we have even had recommendations. If things follow the normal course, you will soon be in a position to enforce the act.
I would like your opinion on some of the amendments that have been put forward, since we are now at the clause by clause phase of the bill and we are making amendments. My comments deal mostly with clause 95.1, which relates to noise. As you heard earlier, it has been suggested that we use the term “nuisance” rather than “unreasonable noise”. I would like to know if you have a preference, or if either one of these terms could make things more difficult for you. In fact I think that the purpose is to ensure that everything is clear and to eliminate any grey areas. We would really like this bill to be workable so that you may use it in the knowledge that the legislator's intention is clear.
There are a few things that I would like to discuss with you. The first one deals with “unreasonable noise”; it was suggested that we use the term “nuisance”, as it relates to situations that can affect public health. I would like your opinion on that.
Would you prefer to comment on each subject as it is raised or would you like me to list all of them first?