Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Committee members, what we're talking about here has not been weeks in the making or months in the making. This is 400 years of a relationship between two nations. For most of the first 200 years it was about creating treaties to resolve crises and to live in harmony with one another. For the past 200 years, unfortunately, it has been about treaty denial.
Minister, I want to start off by thanking you not only for coming before us but also for all of your work. I know we've had many conversations and you have had many conversations with Mi'kmaq stakeholders and non-Mi'kmaq stakeholders.
At the heart of this matter is 200 years of injustice. What we're trying to figure out is a way to navigate for the next 200 years, God willing. I realize this is a heavy burden to place on any minister, any person. I also realize that DFO and the RCMP have a difficult burden and responsibility to act in accordance with evolving legal principles such as the honour of the Crown and reconciliation when dealing with indigenous nations.
With that in mind, Minister, this study is all about trying to make recommendations to move forward on that path together towards reconciliation. I'm wondering if there's anything you can talk to us about, some of the complexities that you've found since taking on your role as minister.