Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Just to build on Mr. Burgess's point, Mr. Chair, from the aspect of environmental outcomes, the National Energy Board is confident that by having a streamlined process we will be able to make sure we move toward even better environmental outcomes. So I would be able to provide yo

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Absolutely, and we actually have a risk assessment framework where, because we can't be everywhere across Canada at all times, we prioritize where we need to focus our energy and attention, both on the construction side as well as on the ongoing operations side.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I was going to say the same thing from the aspect of the mandate of the board. You want to think about it as far as once things cross lines--so either interprovincially or internationally. That's what falls within the mandate of the National Energy Board in terms of pipelines and

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm sorry, I can't; I'm not on the panel. This is the work of an independent panel composed of National Energy Board members and the process is under deliberation at this point. All I can speak to you about is the process.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I have read it, and the NEB is very familiar with it and is very supportive of anything that will allow minimizing any regulatory duplication. The National Energy Board is very committed to making sure we achieve the best outcomes--hence my comments about not process for the sak

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  As is mine.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  First of all, I can tell you that we are supportive of the NPMO at the National Energy Board as a means of working effectively with groups to coordinate activities. The exact role and function of the NPMO as it has been established I'm not completely aware of, so I wouldn't want

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Shall I address this question first?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you very much. Are you referring to the comments I made about learning from northerners about our processes?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I spoke about our enhanced engagement with aboriginals, as well as with other stakeholders. You are correct that the board has increasingly recognized how important it is that local parties know of the National Energy Board and what our mandate is.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We've had that feedback from a number of hearings--not northern hearings, because we took a very different approach, but in southern Canada. I was referring to the learning we've had from working up north, where we've learned that we need to listen, and then we need to listen som

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That's correct.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I can't speak on behalf of the panel, but that is what the panel has been stating in its press releases; and as I said, it is set to reopen the hearing. The bulk of the hearing is completed. The NEB panel has been waiting for the joint review panel report. There is some addition

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, the NEB has its mandate with respect to oil and gas activities in the Yukon.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm sorry, I wasn't being clear on that.