Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  A few steps would be avoided. Access to the tribunal would automatically be granted within three years.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  That is correct.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Sure. This was actually the subject of a large amount of discussion with the Assembly of First Nations during the task force meetings. One of the key issues here is that there is that huge assessment backlog. Were it to be removed, if the objective is that those who have been negotiating for a long time will get quicker access to the tribunal, that won't happen, and the reason it won't happen is this huge backlog.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm not an expert on the royal recommendation. I can say that in terms of the public purse, clearly if the claim is not released and can be brought again on the same facts, then there is a problem on the same grounds. We might have to deal with the same claim and pay compensation on substantially the same set of facts.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  You're moving an amendment to obviously improve a situation in which you are concerned that the first nation may not be able to bring their full claim, and therefore they will have already released. On Bob's point about that distinction between cause of action and the other, it's very important to realize that there are grounds for the claim, but there can be multiple allegations.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Not really?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I will be harmful.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Because we are dealing with specific claims. If this amendment carries, it will add claims based on aboriginal rights and title and other grounds. It would be harmful.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'll begin, and Mr. Winogron can continue. This particular proposal expands the definition of “specific claims” quite significantly. Although it's removing, it's adding one word, “solely”. It makes no difference, because what it does is allow claims that concern aboriginal rights and title to be brought before the tribunal.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I know the government consultation and the collaborative process was with the Assembly of First Nations as the national organization representing first nations across the country. This is a bill, and it's national in scope. In the joint task force itself, of course the AFN designated four individuals and Canada had four individuals.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  It's probably not for me to say. I think this is something the Assembly of First Nations could elaborate upon. What I can say is that this has been going on for so many years that the concerns and the problems are very well known, and that we did deal very closely with the national organization that I understand represents first nations across Canada.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We are working with a special legal services section of the Department of Justice. We were talking about resources earlier. In addition to the efficiencies and the resources, we work in partnership. Resources will also be there for the Department of Justice, which is very much involved in this process.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Well....

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The ISCC has two functions: first, it hears inquiries and makes non-binding recommendations; second, it provides mediation at the request of the parties. As announced eight months ago, the Indian Specific Claims Commission will finish those inquiries that are far enough along to be wrapped up by December of this year.