Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the recent interest of oil and gas companies to renew exploration activities in the Mackenzie Valley, we have undertaken some work. We have moved to start allocating some resources to support the communities and regions to prepare for these activities and engage in some activities that could return some benefits to the regions and communities.
As well, the government has set up, with aboriginal organizations, a Mackenzie Valley development planning committee. This committee has two assignments.
One is to ensure the limited resources that both the government and the aboriginal organizations have, are used in a way that maximizes the benefits of the proposed development and activities to the communities and regions.
The other major assignment is to look at policies and plans and directions that would maximize benefits from development to the communities and region for the long term. Also, to look at ways in which we could minimize the negative impact, both socio-economic and environmental. Thank you.