Mr. Speaker, as the hon. member knows, it was the Liberal Party and only the Liberal Party that during the last election campaign acknowledged the importance of the mining sector to the Canadian economy and promised a new minerals and metals policy within the federal government.
Yesterday it was with great pleasure that I announced this new minerals and metals policy. Let me reassure all my friends on the other side of the House that this policy delivers on an important red book commitment which is to affirm and reaffirm the primary role of the provinces as it relates to jurisdiction over mining.
In addition, it acknowledges the increasing globalization of this industry and the importance of ensuring that we continue to attract foreign investment, that we continue to have access to foreign markets on fair terms and that we produce the science and technology that permits this industry to continue to be such an important contributor to the economy.
That is what this policy is about and it is one that I think we should all be very proud of.