Mr. Speaker, it is often said that the Canadian mining industry is a world leader in terms of technological development, environmental stewardship and mineral production. In a similar fashion Canada is gaining a reputation in the manner in which it handles issues of concern to the mining industry.
There is no better example of this than South Africa's use of the Whitehorse mining initiative as a means of bringing stakeholders together to promote mining. The Whitehorse mining initiative brought together Canadian governments, the mining industry, and labour, environmental and aboriginal groups to set out common principles and an agenda to deal with issues facing the mining industry.
Now South Africa is following Canada's lead to assist it in reforming its minerals and mines policy. I applaud our Minister of Natural Resources and all participants in the Whitehorse mining initiative for their leadership on mining issues.