Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I appreciate the sincerity of the opinions of the member opposite. However, I'm sure she can also appreciate the sincerity of the actions that we, on the government side, are attempting to take, and that is, to offer the opportunity to people who are on reserve, who don't have access to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, to be able to bring forward their opinions and their views if they feel that their human rights are being violated. They need that option. They need that forum. That's why we're proceeding.
I can appreciate your arguments. I understand that they have value within the discourse, but at the same time, they are unable to reconcile with my argument, which is that it is essential that we bring this forum to those on reserve who aren't represented by the first nations leadership, who aren't represented by government. They are individuals in communities. And currently, they don't have the opportunity to say that their human rights are being violated.
This is something that we must do with haste, in my opinion, because it's been occurring for far too long in Canada.
I believe this is the opportunity now that we have before us as a committee. We've heard witnesses' testimony. We've heard a multitude of opinions. And I believe we can make this happen right now within the context of this meeting, if we so choose. So that's something the members on this side are going to continue to push for, all summer long, if need be.
I would just ask that we find a compromise and proceed to clause-by-clause.