Mr. Speaker, as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources I am pleased to respond to this question. It is one of several that have been raised by the hon. member opposite on this issue which is of direct effect and consequence to his riding.
The hon. member has so often raised this question and we have responded in kind appropriately. We have said specifically to the hon. member that this government honours the efforts of workers. We are very much in tune with the needs of workers. That is why the Minister of Human Resources Development has pledged a $3 million fund to provide assistance and transitional assistance for this particular industry and sector.
As has been done on several other occasions I am pleased to report to the House that the workers are taking advantage of this opportunity. In addition to the 40 or 50 workers who have sought employment opportunities elsewhere, several are taking on active employment measures. They are taking their futures into their own hands. We are seeing a return to work for that group of workers, not to the extent we would like but it is continuing. We expect to see future mining activity in the area which this group of workers will take advantage of.
We emphasize that while the hon. member opposite postures by suggesting the minister is the most appropriate one at this forum to answer this question, he once again deludes the people who are watching this broadcast. As the hon. member knows it is the duty of the parliamentary secretary. He has asked questions directly to the minister. The minister has responded directly. We are following parliamentary procedure. The minister cares very deeply about these workers.