Finance committee  We act as a convenor in a variety of ways with a variety of sectors, but we were engaged. We're in very active dialogue with the mining sector as well. We look for areas where there can be common purpose. We're very active working with a number of first nations across the country.

Finance committee  Yes, it is essentially that. We actually hear from provinces, as well, that there used to be a greater capacity or ability in Aboriginal Affairs, previously INAC, to support planning on a broader landscape scale. It is at this scale that you achieve, often, the kind of certainty that business needs and communities need and the certainty that is needed to protect the environment.

Finance committee  I would defer to FPAC, because they are the sector. We collaborate with the sector with the Boreal initiative. I think what it has allowed is enough breathing space for the forest sector to think about how they drive forward into the future. How do they really capture a market to be truly sustainable and have those practices broadly celebrated?

Finance committee  We have worked very closely with FPAC and Avrim Lazar, so I absolutely agree. But I would also add that the forest sector has taken it upon themselves to reinvent the way they do business. That goes from being certified to deciding proactively to reach an agreement with environmental organizations that in the past would be sitting on the opposite side of the table.

Finance committee  I would just add that within the oil sands region we've been deeply engaged in and strongly promote solutions that involve first nations governments, environmental institutions, and industry. There are some very creative ideas out there that could be implemented.

Finance committee  It would be premature right now for the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement in terms of first nations support. We are supporting the development of that. I don't have figures for you on it. I have figures on land use planning. Approximately $30 million is dedicated to land use planning.

Finance committee  In total, this agreement spans lands of over 76 million hectares, which is larger than the province of Alberta. As a fundamental principle of this agreement, we support the rights and benefits of first nations communities, and we're here to encourage the federal government to particularly support capacity with first nations communities and first nations governments and institutions to engage to implement the boreal forest agreement.

Finance committee  Good afternoon. My name is Mary Granskou and it's a pleasure to be here. I'm representing the Canadian Boreal Initiative. The Canadian Boreal Initiative was launched in 2003 as a place to promote and implement solutions that are shared in Canada's northern boreal region and across first nations, industry, and environmental organizations.

Natural Resources committee  Those are great questions. On the mountain pine beetle, I'd say our partners around the table are focused on it for two reasons. It's very much the way Mr. Allan has spoken about the impacts to the industry and communities. One of our first nations leaders was in a meeting with the premier of B.C. this last week about the need to recognize and compensate for the social capital cost to communities.

Natural Resources committee  Yes, good question. On land use planning in particular, it would have to be done in partnership. A number of provinces--Manitoba is one, Ontario is coming, Saskatchewan--are knocking on the door for land use planning funds, but it's just not being responded to. So it's collaborative.

Natural Resources committee  Thank you. It's a very good question. On land use planning, I think the best way to look at it is that land use planning is becoming increasingly required as one means to help resolve questions around the need and in fact the duty the crown has for aboriginal consultation. What's happened, particularly over the last ten years, is that there have been affirmations of aboriginal rights in case law that require consultation, and land use planning is a key mechanism through which to do that.

Natural Resources committee  You raised a good question on certification. Obviously if there's one standard, it's a lot easier for the market to deal with than if there are three or four. I think over time we'll find that there will be a lead standard. The one of choice with our partners is the Forest Stewardship Council, for two obvious reasons.

Natural Resources committee  It's all right. It's quite a unique name.

Natural Resources committee  No problem. Thank you very much. Good morning, Chairman, Vice-Chairs, and members of the committee. We last presented to the committee on the oil sands. We are very pleased to be back here again as you look at this very important issue before you. Our presentation today will be done mainly in English, because my command of French is limited.

Natural Resources committee  That's very correct. Canada actually was an advocate to include forests on a voluntary basis under the Kyoto Protocol. It's very true that this year, in 2006, all parties to the protocol need to decide whether they include or whether they do not. The Canadian Forest Service and NRCan are actually wrapping up the analysis of whether our forests are a net source or a net sink, and then policy options will go to ministers for consideration in the fall plan, if that all stays on track.