Excellent. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
I apologize to the witnesses. We had a few things to discuss to ensure that the committee's work runs smoothly.
I have a question for all three witnesses.
I would like to know whether, within your organizations, you have business or other dealings with first nations. So far, this committee has only met with a few first nations groups. We will certainly hear from others in the future. These groups had, in particular, raised concerns about the fact that consultation on the designation of a national interest project must be completed within a year.
For example, the Ontario regional chief for the Chiefs of Ontario, Abram Benedict, who represents 133 first nations, said that, sometimes, consultations could take less than a year, but that, at other times, they could take over a year. He said it was up to them to carry out their consultations to secure consent in relation to their rights. He therefore seemed to be saying that imposing a one-year deadline for consultations relating to respecting first nations' rights might not be acceptable.
I would like to hear your thoughts on that, if your organizations have relationships with first nations or do business with them.
Mr. Lee, you can start.