Right now Canada is in a very good competitive position, but it really looks back at what we've done historically to become like we are and gain that position. There are some really key factors there, and I'd say the first one is our geoscience database.
A geoscience database is a real competitive factor. In the past Canada has invested significant funds to get a very good database that is primarily bedrock mapping. Companies that are looking for resources look very favourably on a country that has such a database. In Canada, it's a partnership between the government geological surveys and the companies themselves. They will take a map like that and immediately be able to define target areas that have geological interest, and that's where they invest.
The other aspect of this system that's very unique to Canada is what we call the assessment system, such that whatever data the companies derive during their exploration has to be turned over, back to the government, and becomes public knowledge. So there's a very significant amount of information in those assessment files as well. I think geoscience is very significant.
Flow-through shares are another major competitive aspect for Canada as it relates to junior companies. The junior sector is unique to Canada. No other mining jurisdiction has a junior sector like ours.
The reason the junior sector evolved here is because of all the factors that led to entrepreneurialism in Canada, the free-entry system and flow-through shares, which have to be spent in Canada. Given that the whole business is so competitive and there is a big draw for companies that go abroad, flow-through shares make sure that some of that investment stays in Canada.
I could go on, because there are a lot of factors here, but I think I'd better just end it there and focus on those three.