Thank you very much. I really appreciate your taking the time to come here to talk about this issue.
Chief Bear, you actually raised an issue that I was going to ask about, and that was additions to reserve, and the need for the government to move a bit quicker on that.
I know Pic Mobert First Nation has a land and greater land use agreement that they're just waiting for the minister to put his signature on. It took them 22 years to finally get that ready. I know that Minister Valcourt has been quoted as saying:
Our Government is committed to working with interested First Nations to create jobs and economic opportunities and.... We will continue to work with interested First Nations across Canada to enable the development of their lands and resources, ensuring the conditions for strong, self-sufficient and prosperous communities.
We have a minister who makes the statement. Actually, my colleague here, Mr. Strahl, during a late show just recently mentioned “willing partners”.
One clarification I would like from you, Chief Bear, is this. Do you think there are no willing partners out there for first nations? My understanding is that all first nations are willing partners. They want to move their projects forward, and they want to make sure their first nations communities are very successful. Is that your opinion as well?