Mr. Speaker, the Mackenzie gas producers filed their environmental impact statement on October 7. As such, the environmental assessment and regulatory review processes for the Mackenzie gas project are proceeding as outlined in the cooperation plan.
Further, the Mackenzie Valley regulatory boards continue to receive additional financial and human resources to carry out the regulatory review of the Mackenzie gas project. This incremental board funding began in 2001 to help northern boards prepare for and participate in the cooperation plan.
The environmental assessment and regulatory regime in the Mackenzie Valley is the result of aboriginal land claims agreements negotiated and legislated between these parties and the Government of Canada. Working together, we want to ensure that the spirit and intent of these successfully settled land claims are met, and we will continue to work in cooperation.