Mr. Chair, our government has shown strong support for the north. We signed a revised royalty sharing agreement between our government and the Government of Yukon.
Throughout the north, mining projects are providing well-paying jobs for Canadians. There are nine producing mines in the north, including Yukon’s own Minto. This one, Wolverine and Keno Hill, are providing opportunities for thousands of Canadians today, and 24 advanced natural resource projects representing more than $20 billion in investments have the potential to provide opportunities for thousands more.
We established the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, which will help with this development. Earlier this year, we opened its permanent headquarters—not, I might add, in Ottawa or Gatineau, but in Iqaluit. One of its most important responsibilities is the northern projects management office. As in the south, we want to ensure a single window for industry in dealing with government.
We need thorough, balanced, science-based environmental assessments conducted on a timely basis and in accord with the principle of one project, one review so that opportunities like this one can be realized across the north in a responsible manner.