12. For the purpose of performing his functions, the Minister may, in particular,(1) enter into an agreement, according to law, with a government other than that of Québec, a department of such a government, an international organization or an agency of such a government or organization;
(2) enter into agreements with any person, municipality, group or body;
(2.1) prepare plans and programs to promote the sustainability of development and, with the authorization of the Government, see to the carrying out of those plans and programs;
(3) take samples or carry out research, inventories, studies, analyses, calculations, assessments, expert evaluations or verifications and provide, on request and for consideration, specialized services and related products in those areas;
(4) obtain from government departments and public bodies the information required to elaborate and implement his policies, plans and programs;
(5) compile, analyze, communicate, publish and disseminate the information available to him, in particular that obtained pursuant to section 2.2 of the Environment Quality Act (chapter Q‐2); (6) advise the Government on any matter within his competence;
(7) provide a grant or any other form of financial assistance in accordance with the Public Administration Act (chapter A‑6.01), in particular for carrying out plans, programs, projects, research, studies or analyses, for acquiring knowledge or for acquiring or operating certain public utility installations; (8) lease or acquire any property by agreement, by a call for tenders or by expropriation in accordance with the Act respecting contracting by public bodies (chapter C‑65.1) or the Expropriation Act (chapter E-24); and (9) accept a gift or legacy of any property.