Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Thank you for coming before the committee and for your very detailed briefs.
I want to specifically address paragraph 16(2)(a) and clauses 42 and 43 around the transitional procedures. The reasonable minimum standards, in my mind, relate to clauses 42 and 43. I don't have time to go over the details of the case, but we have a very detailed briefing from Snuneymuxw First Nation, which is from my riding. They've laid out a number of concerns around the transitional provisions. They have waited for over ten years and have now been in four years of negotiation. It is unlikely it will be at a stage that would be acceptable by December 31, 2008, such that it will be concluded. In their view, they will be disadvantaged, in that they've been going through this lengthy process. Once the bill comes into force, there are a number of questions around even reasonable minimum standards.
I just wonder why none of you addressed the transitional procedures in your briefs, or if you think they are fine as they stand.