Canadians are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of socially responsible practices by Canadian companies. In Securing Our Future Together, the Government of Canada addressed this issue and committed itself to "considering social factors such as health, equity and community sustainability when making environmental and economic decisions." The mandate and strategic plan of NRCan reflects the federal government's commitment to social responsibility and the enhancement of long-term social and economic benefits brought about by Canada's natural resources. In order to begin identifying present social practices and tracking sustainable development, the Minerals and Metals Sector (MMS) of NRCan compiled a Catalogue of Social Practices in the Canadian Minerals and Metals Industry. The catalogue presents the efforts of Canadian mining companies who practice social responsibility in their project planning and administration, and in their activities outside the mine sites. It can thus provide information to mining companies and organizations on the planning and implementation of socially responsible practices.