Mr. Speaker, we need to encourage the mining and exploration industry. I was very pleased with the statement that the government agrees with and is committed to, collaborate with aboriginal organizations and the federal government, to pursue continued industry access to lands. Access to lands is a prime need for exploration and mining companies. I was also glad they see the need for a regulatory review identified in the statement this morning. The mining community needs that. Mining companies need harmonization of regulations and an efficient, single system. They also need land claims settled quickly and fairly, so mining groups can approach land claim groups. They need a data base for geo-science information, access to such a library infrastructure to house human resources and a trained workforce.

My concern, Mr. Speaker, is in several areas here, one being on the regulatory reform. I wonder if the Minister could tell us when the department will start working on regulatory reform. Secondly, how long this may take so that the mining industry can have some indication of what program is being instituted? Thank you.