Public hearing

Public hearing

202 (1) If a written statement is filed with the Regulator under subsection 201(3) or (4) within the period set out in that subsection, the Commission must order that a public hearing be held. (2) The Commission must select a region in which to hold the hearing that it considers convenient for persons who filed a written statement under subsection 201(3) or (4) and must provide reasons for its selection, including the factors that it took into account. (3) The Commission must fix a suitable time and place for the hearing and cause notice of the time and place to be given by publishing it in at least one issue of a publication, if any, in general circulation within the area in which the lands are situated and by sending it to each person who filed a written statement under subsection 201(3) or (4). (4) At the time and place fixed for the hearing, the Commission must hold a hearing and must permit each person who filed a written statement under subsection 201(3) or (4) to make representations and may, if the Commission considers it appropriate to do so, allow any other interested person to make representations before it. (5) The Commission or a person authorized by it may inspect the lands that are proposed to be acquired, leased, taken or used for, or that are affected by, the pipeline construction as the Commission considers necessary. (6) The Commission may at any time disregard a written statement filed under subsection 201(3) or (4) and is not required to take any action under this section with respect to that statement, if (a) the person who filed the statement files a notice of withdrawal with the Regulator; or (b) the Commission considers that the statement is frivolous or vexatious or is not made in good faith.