14. The Minister shall issue a licence to every person who meets the conditions and pays the fee prescribed under the said Act and who complies with the norms respecting the quality of the environment and wildlife protection.
The Minister may, however, after having notified the person concerned of his intention and the reasons therefor and allowed the person to present observations, refuse to issue a licence on grounds of public interest.
The decision of the Minister refusing the issue of a licence must be substantiated and forwarded in writing to the interested person.
The second and third paragraphs do not apply to a licence to operate a fishing pond.
1984, c. 16, s. 14; 1997, c. 43, s. 398; 1998, c. 29, s. 29.