Mr. Minister, we have always had very civil discussions. However, I am disappointed by the way your parliamentary secretary interprets our words.
Obviously, my colleague and myself both really take to heart the rights of aboriginal peoples. The same goes for individual rights. Today, we raise what could be recognized as a problem once all this data is analyzed. Let us remind you that all the first nations chiefs as well as the aboriginal women's groups have asked you for a delay and for funding in order to undertake consultations on this matter. Up to now the main objection of first nations is due to the fact they do not have the funds required to do this.
It is our belief—and the aboriginal chiefs agree—that at the present time equal rights are not matched by equal means. Contrary to the Quebec and Canadian nations, these people do not have the means nor the infrastructure that would allow them to fully respect the type of individual rights that we take for granted.
This is why we believe it is very risky to implement them without giving these people the opportunity to make recommendations based on their experience. It is an experience that we cannot imagine and that we would be very sorry to go through.
I would like to provide in the bill for a sufficient delay and the opportunity for these people to make recommendations based upon their experience. I do not know if you have considered the matter and taken these aspects into account. In any case, this is our recommendation.