Thank you, Mr. Chairman. From the time the Standing Committee on Finance completed their report until now, there have been some developments with the northern accord. The Minister earlier this session made a Minister's statement regarding a trip he made to Ottawa when he met with the Minister of Energy and other Ministers about the northern accord. The Minister indicated to us that the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development has more or less committed himself to negotiate the northern accord.
I would like to ask the Minister, what does he mean by the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs agreeing to negotiate this northern accord? Does it mean that there are negotiations currently taking place now or negotiations are going to start? If so, what kind of time frame are we looking at for conclusion of the northern accord? Has any agreement been reached with the Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs? Thank you.