Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It is indeed an important and to some extent historic kind of opportunity to further the relationship with the aboriginal communities around resource development. At Natural Resources Canada we interact and try to make contributions to that relationship in different ways, in particular through the major project management office, which brings together all of the major regulatory departments in Ottawa.
We try to coordinate our action there, in particular as regards the proper consultation process that has to take place where resource development occurs, obviously ensuring that the crown fulfills its constitutional duty to consult, ensuring as well that there is guidance to industry in engaging with aboriginal communities in moving forward projects, working with provinces as well to better align our processes.
More recently, and perhaps in a more focused kind of manner, you are aware that the government appointed a special representative in Mr. Doug Eyford in western Canada to engage with aboriginal communities on the question of west coast energy infrastructure. It is an effort that has to take place across Canada, whether for the Ring of Fire or for western energy infrastructure. That development must take place in consultation with aboriginal Canadians, and those opportunities must be seized to improve their economic and social conditions.