Mr. Chairman, it is not fair to say that this issue was raised surreptitiously today. At the beginning of our deliberations, this vacuum that exists with respect to aboriginals was brought to our attention, and we have been studying the issue since that time. We have welcomed native groups. I read the position of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples and that of the Native Women's Association of Canada. Moreover, Canada's first nations have appeared here. One morning, I believe there were six or seven witnesses who came to give us their opinion.
Essentially, they want to have the choice of opting out of that, as a nation, if they feel it is appropriate, but they want to be a part of it so that their rights will be recognized. No one should tell us today that we are going to speak on behalf of the first nations without having heard them on this issue. These witnesses told us that their traditions are different from those of non-aboriginals, and that as such, they wanted to consult all of their communities, from the smallest to the largest. That is all they want, in terms of tradition. Otherwise, they agree on the content of the legislation. The problem lies in the wording of the provisions.
That is why I find these amendments to be timely and respectful of what the aboriginal groups asked of us. We are concerned about giving them enough leeway so they can opt out. I think we are fully complying with that request.
Mr. Chairman, we have fully discussed the issue, and I would not want to limit the speaking time of our colleagues. I think that we are ready to vote.