Here is my suggestion, Mr. Chair.
I am going to let my colleagues take their seats. I will wait until the interpretation begins, because that is certainly very important.
Mr. Chair, we have just received a message informing us that the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Mr. Phil Fontaine, will not be with us today. We have only just been informed of this. He will be replaced by his executive director.
I do not know what our schedule looks like but I know that we are sitting on Thursday, unless my government colleagues tell us differently. We could perhaps hear from the native women today and take all the time that we need until 1 p.m. We could welcome National Chief Phil Fontaine on Thursday in the first hour of the meeting. That would probably take care of everyone.
I agree with you, Mr. Chair. I respect the native women too much not to grant them the time that they deserve. We could continue with them until 12:30 p.m. or 12:45 p.m. and the National Chief could join us on Thursday. That is my recommendation.