I am going to speak to you in French. I hope you can hear me clearly. Can you hear the simultaneous interpretation? Is it working?
Ms. George, I have some questions for you. You are going to participate in the debate today.
I feel personally involved in what you said. You know that, clearly, the public gets worried when they hear about the likelihood of a mine opening in one of our regions. You said in your speech that there were always unhappy groups when there is a plan to open a mine in a given region.
I think it is healthy for people to be able to express their concerns. In my region, there is a potential uranium deposit. Obviously, we are not going to let just anyone come in with big boots, take away the resources and leave everything stripped, causing environmental damage that will have an impact on people's lives, health and environment. I think it is entirely legitimate.
One thing is troubling. Exploration is under provincial jurisdiction and development is under federal jurisdiction. So there is a grey area.
I think there has to be at least a framework, an act, and I would like to hear your opinion on that. Perhaps Bill C-300, An Act respecting Corporate Accountability for the Activities of Mining, Oil or Gas in Developing Countries makes you afraid of certain things for certain reasons. But, as the other witnesses have told us, Canada must have rules, legislation to control those companies, both here and abroad.