Mr. Chairman, with regard to oil and gas, and particularly with gas, we could see that one coming several years ago and it built up gradually. In fact, in my previous life in RWED, I realized what was happening and that was when the Mackenzie Valley development project was undertaken. That goes back to 1998. That one built up more gradually.

In the case of the hydro potential, it came to us very quickly, partly because of the electrical generation study but also because of things that are happening in North America. There was the U.S. Energy Strategy that was coming forward. There was the creation of the Energy Reference Committee by the federal government. There were also discussions by western provinces about a western power grid. All of these things led us to believe that it was important for us to have a good assessment of what our potential was in order that we were able to link in with these other initiatives. It was critical to move ahead with this one, otherwise we might find ourselves knocking at the door after all of the broader strategies have been put in place.

Mr. Chairman, again I come back to the issue that it was urgent to do this and it was urgent to consult with aboriginal people. The window was there and we had to take advantage of it. Thank you.