Mr. Speaker, I would like today to speak to regulations in the mining industry.
Regulatory reform has been an issue of great concern to the government. A climate of change will serve as impetus to continue pushing these efforts.
Canadians in Quebec and across the country have made their voices heard and have called on us to continue to make the changes necessary to do business differently.
The mining industry is a prime example of where regulatory reform must take place. It is also one of the six economic sectors targeted by the government.
The Minister of Natural Resources has responded to the challenge with the Whitehorse mining initiative and most recently a new policy paper on sustainable development in mineral and metals that was unveiled in Vancouver in September.
All parties must be prepared to address this issue with greater vigour and with the conviction that mining is essential to our economic balance sheet. Mining is a $20 billion industry in this country and we need to ensure its viability for future generations.
We will do what has to be done to ensure the future of the mining industry.