Mr. Speaker, between September 15 - 18, I had the privilege of hosting the 53rd annual Energy and Mines Ministers' conference in Yellowknife. This meeting brought together energy and mines Ministers from the provinces and territories, the federal Minister of Natural Resources and Energy and mining industry representatives. It provided an opportunity for governments and industry to discuss common issues and concerns.
At this year's meeting, the Geoscience Accord was signed. This accord provides the mechanisms to increase cooperation between federal and provincial/territorial government geoscience agencies and optimize the use of resources among all geological surveys organizations.
It is important to recognize the role that geological surveys have played and will continue to play in the economic development of the North. Our signing of the Geoscience Accord is an indication of our support for a cooperative and coordinated approach to geosciences and geological mapping here in the North.
At the energy Ministers' meetings, national industry association representatives made presentations on several topics including energy and the environment. Various representatives highlighted achievements under the Voluntary Challenge Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
For the first time at an Energy Ministers' conference, the renewable energy organizations were represented. The renewable energy industry offers a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at reasonable costs and with substantial socio-economic benefits including regional employment.
At these meetings, industry expressed concern with the progress of regulatory efficiency across Canada. We agree with industry on the need to increase efficiency and believe that gaining full responsibility for mineral development in the North is the first step towards achieving this objective. Mining industry delegates fully supported devolution from the federal government.
I am pleased to see that many of you took the opportunity to meet with officials from other jurisdictions and with industry.
The meeting, I believe, was a success and many delegates expressed sincere appreciation for the hospitality that we extended and showed to them while they were guests here in Yellowknife.
Thank you.
-- Applause