In exercising the powers and performing the duties and functions assigned to the Minister by the Department of Natural Resources Act, the Minister shall provide for the conduct of research relating to the protection, management and utilization of the forest resources of Canada and the better utilization of forest products and may establish and maintain laboratories and other necessary facilities for those purposes; The Minister may conduct economic studies relating to the forest resources, forest industries and marketing of forest products, make investigations designed to aid the forest industries and woodlot owners of Canada and assist external aid programs relating to forestry. The Minister has, in relation to silviculture, the same powers, duties and functions as the Minister has under this Act in relation to the protection and management of the forest resources of Canada. The Minister may, in carrying out the Minister's duties and functions under this Act, consult with and inaugurate conferences of provincial or municipal authorities, universities, representatives of industry or other interested persons.