Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Minister, for being here, and thank you to the other witnesses as well.
Minister, just yesterday, which was perfect timing, I met with representatives from Ecotrust, Coastal First Nations and UFAWU to talk about the necessary work towards a B.C. owner-operator licensing system.
As you know, our committee has completed two in-depth studies—one prior to my time and one during my time—that were unanimously recommending the implementation of a made-in-B.C. owner-operator licensing regime.
We also know that there is broad support in first nations, industry and communities for this change. We even saw the premier of my home province, Premier Eby, write a letter to the Prime Minister, and included you, urging the Government of Canada to work with the Province of British Columbia to develop a made-in-B.C. owner-operator licensing policy.
Minister, we know what needs to be done.
When will you direct the department to end the delays and begin working with first nations, industry and the province to implement this long-overdue policy reform?