Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr. LeBlanc, small projects located pretty much anywhere in Quebec or in our municipalities have to comply with the law. Like it or not, projects usually involve thorough consultation and work.
This bill is about major projects with major repercussions. Typically, the whole of society would be part of the conversation because these projects will impact future generations. Now we're going to end up with major projects with major repercussions that are subject to fewer laws than small projects by SMEs. We're going to end up with decisions made behind closed doors. The application of the law will be politicized. We have no guarantee that you, Mr. LeBlanc, won't turn into a minister of cronyism.
This week, the Société de l'Acadie du Nouveau-Brunswick wrote to us to say that it is concerned because this bill would allow projects to be exempt from the application of any law, including laws respecting francophones' official language rights. For example, the bill would allow projects to be exempt from the application of the Canada Labour Code or any other legislation.
Personally, I find that problematic. The bill already gives you the power to exempt projects from environmental laws. Why do you want more powers that you don't need to carry out these projects?