Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Natural Resources Canada's commitment to sustainable development of Canada's mining industry.
In "Creating Opportunity" our government made a commitment to incorporate the principle of sustainable development into all of its activities. We are living up to that commitment.
The new minerals and metals policy is concrete evidence of this. The policy establishes a framework that integrates not only economic factors but environmental and social considerations in federal decisions about minerals and metals.
Earlier this week the natural resources committee tabled its unanimous report entitled "Streamlining Environmental Regulations for Mining" which provides specific prescriptions on how this policy can move forward.
By placing minerals and metals in a sustainable development context, the government's new policy ensures not only present but future generations of Canadians will reap the benefits that this important industry contributes to Canada.