Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, panel members, for being here today.
I think all Canadians agree that the growth in the backlog of claims is unacceptable. Since 1993 it's grown from 350 to about 800, and that's certainly unacceptable. So I was glad to hear, in your opening statements, a number of phrases that indicate that this is a positive step.
You said this brings hope; you said that a number of times throughout your presentation, and I'm glad to hear that. You said you're tired of being dependent, and you're glad for the focus on economic development opportunities. You went on to say that you've never seen this kind of cooperation in your 40 years of involvement in government work. Those are all very positive comments that really give us hope as a committee that we can move ahead.
I'm wondering if you can comment a bit more on the issue of consultation. Chief Joseph, you indicated that there are 75 first nations groups in Saskatchewan, and you indicated that they're united in their efforts of supporting Bill C-30. As I said earlier, you've been positive in your analysis of the consultation process in general, but I'm sure you've read some of the comments of other chiefs from B.C. and Ontario who have been before this committee within the last few weeks, and their analysis has been less than positive in terms of consultation and opportunity for input. Can you give this committee assurance, as a member of the task force, that a concerted effort was made to engage in consultation with all first nations groups across Canada?