Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I asked similar questions to the department when I took over. I thought it was a simple matter, but it is not. In the mining industry, they have the Mining Act, which does not include any socio-economic or impact benefit agreements. However, with this government, and working with the First Nations that are affected with the diamond mines, we are able to work with BHP to agree to a socio-economic arrangement with the First Nations that are affected. So even though it is not legislated, we are able to do that.

In the case of the oil and gas, there are provisions in the oil and gas federal legislation for a socio-economic agreement during the development phase once a significant find is made. I was told we cannot do the same exact thing we did with the mining companies with an oil and gas company.

However, we are looking at something similar, in regard to making sure there are socio-economic arrangements with oil and gas companies that operate in the North and close to an affected community. Thank you.