Madam Speaker, the Quebec government has historically taken the view that they are pro development and pro aboriginal in the sense that they have made deals before with northern Cree and northern Quebec Inuit, which has resulted in the settlement of their claims some years ago. This is another phase of hydro development that they have been engaged in. They make no bones about the fact that they want to make the Inuit and the Cree, if possible, partners and supporters of the project. In that sense, the compensation package that was announced and trumpeted in the media can be seen as a deal to go partners.

As partners, I suppose in any environmental hearings, you expect your partner not to be so critical of your plans. The businessman would say that is a good way to proceed because everyone is happy. An environmentalist would say it is compromising your responsibility to take care of land and resources and undermines the credibility you have as a member of the panel reviewing the environmental impact of that project.

Those are valid points and observations to be made. These are just thoughts I have, resulting from the media focus and the brief comments I've received from the staff today. Thank you.