Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Each claim has a three-year timeframe, and as I indicated, as we move through the process each one is looked at within that three-year timeframe. In 2008 all the ones that were already in negotiation were deemed to start negotiations in 2008, and now all these claims are coming

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Most of our tables now in negotiation are in active discussion. We've accepted some recently where we're waiting for responses from the first nation.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  These are tribunal rules on how first nations must be represented. The tribunal issued rules of conduct that are posted on its Internet site. First nations can go to the site to see how the process works, find out how to file their claims and determine who is entitled to file a c

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The manner in which scheduled cases or hearings are announced depends on the tribunal rules. It is up to the tribunal, which establishes its procedure according to the cases it is dealing with, to determine who must be informed. The tribunal rules would have to be verified to det

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  With regard to research and negotiation, the department provides funding to first nations to help them during the process. With regard to the negotiating table, naturally, funding is available to first nations. Every negotiating table develops a work plan that will direct the wor

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, the first nation must be represented by a member of the bar. Funding is available through the department for first nations that wish to file their claim with the tribunal.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I do not know to which document you are referring. Are you referring to the act?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I admit that I do not know the tribunal's rules off by heart. I do not know whether the rules address this particular issue but, with regard to the tribunal's procedures, I believe that it has prescribed rules of conduct. However, the tribunal can decide to modify those rules for

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No. It is based on demand. The department applies certain criteria to requests for funding. Some costs are covered. It is a process similar to the one used when first nations submit a request for funding during the negotiation process. Some criteria must be met. The same approach

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes. Sometimes the first nation may wish to do their own research, and sometimes we do it jointly. It's all worked out. Each and every table is different, for a variety of different reasons.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Not necessarily. Once the offer is tabled, the first nation has to respond as to whether it will be accepting the offer or putting it to their members for a ratification vote. There's still work to be done once that is done. We have to be looking at developing the settlement ag

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, they vote on the settlement agreement and the trust agreement as well.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  If the first nations reject the federal offer, it's their option to go to the tribunal to seek a decision on the validity and compensation of their claim, and they have access to the courts as well. It doesn't preclude them from taking either of those two avenues.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No, it's up to the first nation as to what they want. But if a decision is rendered at the tribunal, it's a final decision and it can't be pursued.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  There were several key communications with the first nations with regard to the new process or the action plan. Of course, there was a mass communications announcement that was made with the action plan, and when the legislation came into force we also sent letters to each and ev