It is a unique role. Some people consider the regulators being at the table not a good thing. I think it's a very good thing. It's a very good idea that the regulators are there, seeing what the work is, and also helping to direct that work.
One thing I've learned in many years in the environmental movement is that we don't have a lot of resources, so we'd better use them effectively and efficiently. We also don't want to see duplication of information. Having the regulators at the table and having it in a non-confrontational way, these regulators can provide a lot of assistance not only to the ENGOs and the aboriginals around the table, but to industry as well. If industry takes a path and the regulators think it's the wrong path, it's a good idea to find that out as early as possible.
To date, as regards the activities at our various working groups, there has been a lot more involvement at the provincial level than there has been at the federal level. That was one of the points I made going to Ottawa.
I was apprehensive going to Ottawa and not sure what kind of response I'd get from our federal members, but it was very positive. They all saw the value of more involvement at CEMA and in fact have asked me to come back in September with more details as to how they can get involved.