Good morning. Thank you for being with us.
National Chief, ladies, I have to say how impressed I am to see so many women community leaders. It seems to me that there are relatively more women heading aboriginal communities than head cities and regional municipalities across Canada, or are members of Parliament. I congratulate you on your involvement.
National Chief, when Bill C-44 came before the House of Commons, my first reaction, having been a criminal lawyer for almost 30 years, was that finally aboriginal people were going to achieve equality with other Canadians. I have to say that my remarks were a little premature. I do not want my colleagues opposite to accuse me of a flip-flop. The expression is used quite often, but this is no flip-flop for me; rather, it is the result of considerable thought that began because I did not understand that collective rights are as important for first nations as the individual rights that have always been of prime importance for us. This is because, when we appear before a court, we are defending an individual against one system of laws or another. I told myself that if the Canadian Human Rights Act could at last apply to first nations, they would achieve equality.
I read your submission with great interest. National Chief, I have to say in all sincerity that I would like to have received it a day or two in advance. But even so, it reflects what you have said, and what several others from first nations have said in recent months. I find that interesting; no one can accuse you of making nothing but demands, because you provide concrete suggestions for us to consider.
My question is for the National Chief; Ms. Price may well be able to answer as well. If we pass Bill C-44 quickly, as the government is asking, what would be the worst impact, or the greatest impact, on the first nations that you represent?