Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I'd like to thank the witnesses for coming, and I thank you for your words. What you say is appreciated. In listening to the opposition talk about the one word, “modernization”, I would say that I hear from my chiefs of first nations on this, and that hearing non-aboriginals make a big deal over the word “modernization” offends me, as an aboriginal first nations person.
What first nations are really asking for is not a handout, but a hand up. It comes right down to economics. Economics is the key to what we're speaking about today. Hearing some non-aboriginals talk about modernization, I would respond that it's just a word. It's just about helping first nations and aboriginals move ahead.
Many first nations communities across Canada have a deficit in land use planning. There are many positive impacts happening. For example, when you look at Saskatchewan, the Dakota Dunes Casino and golf course are progressing very well using this model.
I understand that the department has initiated a pilot project to invest in strategic land use planning to test different approaches. This is great or good news, but it could also have some dampening effects on some others that may not be ready to go to that point.
My question is, what work is being done to address the issues of land planning on reserve?