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  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  Thank you. No, we will not be tabling offers at all tables as of October 16, 2011.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In total we have over 270 ongoing negotiations, which include those 80 tables. Only 80 of them will reach the three-year mark on October 16.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No, we will not be revoking any offers that we have made at the tables.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Negotiations are ongoing. When we believe we are at a time at the table when we're ready to table an offer, we will be doing so.