I believe that the province…

I believe that the province's proposed changes to the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act to implement a one window approach for waterpower facilities while at the same time removing the duplicative requirement of a Permit to Take Water under the Ontario Water Resources Act is a sound decision that will continue to allow for government oversight but with a more streamlined approach.

I note as well the regulatory provision that would enable the Minister to adopt by reference any document, including a code, formula, standard, protocol, procedure or guideline. In this regard, I would recommend that the Best Management Practices “Ontario Waterpower Development Surface Water Quality and Fish Sampling Programs” and “Small Hydro and Methyl Mercury”, commissioned by the Ontario Waterpower Association, be adopted.