As the honourable Member stated, we did reach an understanding, if you want, with the Honourable Ron Irwin that we will move forward on the transfer of oil and gas and mineral responsibilities. We have an agreement that bureaucrats will discuss the process for it. I think it would be fair to say that our colleague, Mr. Irwin, stressed that we had to do a significant amount of work with the aboriginal groups, whether it is First Nations, as in Treaty 8, or with claimant groups, like the Sahtu and the Gwich'in.
I assured him, as I've assured this House on a number of occasions, that it is our intention to have significant discussions with the aboriginal people with respect to an accord and with the others who are involved as well. There are no negotiations currently under way, we are working out -- my favourite word -- a process. We're feeling out where people sit politically on this issue.
I recognize that this could be a very controversial issue. However, I feel very strongly that our financial viability would be enhanced if we had an accord that protects the interests of all northerners with respect to mineral and oil and gas devolution. Discussions are under way, at a very preliminary stage, with some of the aboriginal groups. Mr. Nicholls will be discussing the process with Mr. Rayner at that level. I will keep this House and all those people who want to be up to date on the developments as we move forward. Because, this is a very, very delicate issue.