Mr. Speaker, the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development has taken responsibility to initiate some work to coordinate a more detailed response by this government to the proposed royalty rates that has come from the Department of Indian Affairs. There has been a letter sent by the Premier to the federal government that has initially raised some concerns. We have it, without indicating either support or opposition to it at this time.

As the members may know there have been some discussion papers and proposals made over the last year by the federal government to look at changes to the royalty rates in the north since they have not changed for decades. This is the first attempt that the federal government has made to making some proposed changes to the royalty rates. At this time we are coordinating with other government departments, the preparation of a more detailed response for consideration of Cabinet. Thank you.