This makes a lot of sense but I wonder if new legislation will be needed to wrestle the environmental permit granting away from the Ministry of Environment.

If I were the bagel lady (who came up with that?!) I wouldn't issue permits either if I knew another entity was being created to take over the huge personal responsibility of issuing such permits.

In Vz, the Minister is personally responsible for the consequences of issuing such permits (IIRC).

So...how long does it take for such a company to come into existence?

WHY can't Vz be more forth coming in regards to the path to the permit? It doesn't sound THAT hard to do.

Does RM know about this possible "path to permit"? Has it come up during any of the talks with the Vz government?

I would REALLY like to see this project move forward before the end of the year...