Natural Resources committee  To first start with the map, you refer to the overlap of the areas of ecologically and biologically sensitive areas that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has generated. I want to clarify that those areas are not necessarily inconsistent with oil and gas use in those areas.

Natural Resources committee  I wouldn't have characterized it like that. In the Beaufort, as Mimi has gone over, there are several decades of experience. If we were to look at a new area there would be a more exhaustive study. Every single year the department goes up and talks to communities and talks to other departments, including Environment Canada, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and others.

Natural Resources committee  Yes. That lease, though... You're bringing together two processes: the decision on whether it's appropriate to open an area to oil and gas, and what they actually provide us in their bid. What they provide in their bid is a guarantee to spend a certain amount of money over a certain period of time.

Natural Resources committee  You're welcome.