Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member opposite for providing the government with an opportunity to further inform the House in respect to progress being made in the area of northern development.
There can be no mistaking that the government's commitment to the effective and sustainable development of Canada's north is very important. The 2004 federal budget provided $75 million over three years to help ensure that all the federal departments and agencies involved in northern development, as well as the northern boards, have the capacity needed to support sound environmental and regulatory review, science in the public interest, and community engagement. This was a strong and public signal to the interested parties of the government's commitment.
With regard to the Mackenzie Valley pipeline, let me assure the House that this initiative is not at risk. The Government of Canada's participation in the environmental assessment and regulatory review of the Mackenzie gas project is being undertaken on behalf of every individual in Canada. Our funding of this project continues to see that our endeavours focus upon activities such as proper environmental assessment, scientific research and consultation.
In 2001 the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development created the Pipeline Readiness Office to prepare the proposed Mackenzie gas project. This group's mandate includes assisting both the aboriginal and the northern communities in the areas of capacity, partnerships and environmental review, together with research. Through this office, the department provides funding to regional aboriginal organizations in the Northwest Territories so they can effectively prepare for the environmental assessment and the regulatory review of the proposed pipeline.
Additional funding is also provided for their involvement in research, negotiating land, access and benefits agreements and socio-economic issues related to the pipeline's development. Investments in this regard totalled $1.5 million in the last fiscal year and are expected to exceed that in 2004-05.
Let me assure the House that the government, through the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and its Pipeline Readiness Office, continues to meet its commitments as outlined in the cooperation plan. The cooperation plan calls for a coordinated and effective environmental assessment and regulatory review process that reduces duplication and meets the legislative needs of all parties.
I will touch quickly on negotiations with the Deh Cho First Nations. The lawyers have finalized a framework agreement which commits the two parties to conduct, without prejudice, discussions aimed at exploring common ground on the Mackenzie gas project. I am sure that the hon. member does understand that as the matter remains before the courts it would be inappropriate for the government to offer further comment at this time.
In short, I applaud the hon. member for his commitment to sustainable development of the vast potential of Canada's north. I think we all want what is good for the whole country. I wish to assure him and all members of the House that we are working with vigour to address any issues that arise and to forge ahead to the benefit of all Canadians. I know this answer went a little broader than the member's questions, but I thought the information was important to lay before the House.