Mr. Speaker, we welcome and in fact are actively reviewing the proposals of the standing committee on the environment concerning the base line
study. We will be reporting shortly on how we intend to continue the important work which has already been initiated.
I will give some examples of what we have done. In the 1994 budget we brought in tax deductions to encourage contributions to mine reclamation funds. In 1995 we brought in a tax change to encourage donations of ecologically sensitive land. In the 1996 budget which we just brought down, we acted on the key findings of the environment committee's review to help level the playing field between renewable and non-renewable energy sources by, for instance, providing access to flowthrough financing. I would say that we are very active on it.
I would also like to congratulate the environment committee, its chairman and all members of the House who bring this very important matter to the attention of the government.