Madam Chair. The government has a policy regarding traditional knowledge and the government does have a definition of what they think they believe is defined as traditional knowledge. I do not think it is really that definitive. It is an evolving type of concept that is controversial. Some people, having never been blessed with seeing the merits of traditional knowledge at work, are the doubting Thomases of the scientific community today. They are loath to suggest there is any merit to it unless they can actually put their hand on the substance of it as you would read in the Bible. Others are taking a more positive view that aboriginal people, First Nations, have lived and survived for thousands of years. There are certain knowledge, practices

and beliefs that have evolved because of the relationship with the land and the wildlife in their environment. Whether it is based on measurable scientific basis or not, one must believe it has some basis. That is the general view that we take. Specifically, I do not think it is relevant whether I, as a Minister, have a definition for traditional knowledge. The fact is this government has a position on it. It supports and advocates the use and the recognition of traditional knowledge and we have a policy on it. Thank you.