Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, distinguished guests. It's good to see some of you.
I participated earlier this fall in the aboriginal and northern affairs committee, and we talked about the resolution of native claim lands. I'm glad to see a large number here.
In your presentation you talked about $2.5 billion that's been set aside for the resolution of specific claims, and that's a big number. I can understand the need to resort to supplemental estimates, because these kinds of negotiations are inherently unpredictable. There are lots of twists and turns.
Could you describe what's involved in the implementation of the resolution of these claims and some of the creative approaches the department is using that might differ from what was done 10 to 20 years ago, and why those things are perhaps leading to additional costs? Hopefully that will lay a framework for long-term benefits for first nations, in terms of resolution of the claims, better governance, and then ultimately some form of self-government.