Mr. Speaker, the Sigma-Lamaque complex of the McWatters corporation has been closed since February 14, 2001, while the Beaufor mine has been shut down since August 2000.
The government should take action to increase its presence and its involvement in resource regions that have difficulties adjusting to the new economy.
The government should set up a financial assistance program for thin capitalization mines located in Canada's resource regions.
The government should reinstate the Emergency Gold Mining Assistance Act to help Canada's gold mine operators deal with the low price of gold by guaranteeing them a fixed price for the gold they produce.