Thank you, Mr. Chair, and to presenters as well.
I have to admit that I'm a little surprised at some of the presentations, wherein you indicated that there really are no shortcomings anymore at the NEB, that you're well resourced, and that things are going fine, when the report of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development pointed out that the information systems used by the board were “outdated and inefficient” and that “public access to information” on pipeline improvements could be improved. We've heard from a number of people over the last while, and we've also heard from the area I represent, the Northwest Territories, about how they do their reviews.
From what you've said, it seems that things are working well. You've incorporated all the reforms that are needed, you've addressed all the findings made by the commissioner, and you're working on rebuilding public confidence. I like what the Mackenzie Valley Environmental Impact Review Board is doing in the Northwest Territories. They have the confidence of the north, and the population is reflected in their board. Fifty per cent of the people on their board are aboriginal. They have people from the communities sitting on the regional boards and reviewing the process. We have the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board that's in place, issuing permits and also doing reviews.
Could you talk to these two different areas that I've raised? The first is that, yes, you've done all the reforms that were required, and everything is working well, as flagged in the commissioner's report, and second, that you are able to represent the north through having people on your board who are familiar with the north and who are aboriginal. Can you talk to those issues?