Thank you very much for being here today to speak to such an important piece of legislation. I'd like to begin by relaying concerns that I'm sure have come to your attention, concerns from the Assembly of First Nations from Quebec and Labrador, who wrote a letter to the Prime Minister at the end of October. They indicate:
The AFNQL considers that the provisions announced by [the] government in reaction to the Descheneaux decision contravene the obligation to properly consult with First Nations, which rests with the Crown.
They go on to say that the approach taken by the government “seems to us contradictory to the commitment of the present government to work in the context of a nation-to-nation relationship.”
As you probably know, they are highlighting the lack of consultation with communities. They are also highlighting the fact that many of the first nations that they represent hold the position that they, in fact, ought to be playing the role of recognizing who is or is not part of the nation. Clearly, the major piece is lack of consultation.
I know it came up from my colleague, as well, but I'm wondering if you have some concrete figures. How many first nations were consulted? How many people were consulted? Also, you may have heard from them not just on a nation-to-nation basis. I did hear the response earlier, but it was quite general, and I'd like to hear some figures on that front.