Well, Mr. Speaker, it was a little bit more than perceptions that I was concerned about. There were demonstrations and very strong condemnation of the consultation process to date, particularly on the part of the workers and their representatives and their trade unions, so I felt that it was appropriate to make a fresh beginning and take a new approach, and the idea of having someone independent, knowledgeable in the industry, credible to the government, industry and labour, to steer a consultation process is not a new one. I want to emphasize to the honourable Member that there was no intention to abrogate the responsibilities. I would, as Minister responsible, have the final say in approving the chairperson, who would have to be someone we would trust to be competent and knowledgeable in mine safety, and the committee would be appointed by the Minister and would report its work to this House through the Minister.

So there was no attempt to dodge the issue, Mr. Speaker. I rather felt that a new approach could result in a process that would be credible to all concerned. Thank you.