Mr. Speaker, I share my hon. colleague's assessment of the critical importance of this industry which currently employs more than 72,000 Canadians and sustains the economy of countless rural communities across Canada.
The Minister of Human Resources Development, his cabinet colleagues and I are now in the process of reviewing this report which was commissioned by HRD. Certainly the report's key recommendation for more training is very consistent with the minister's strong commitment to building an active labour force.
Let me assure this House that we as a government will work in close collaboration with all partners to find innovative initiatives which will support and revitalize this industry and the affected communities.