I will take your word for it, Mr. Penikett. I have a bit of a problem with your proposal. I'd like to hear Mr. Atleo's views on this subject later.
Grand Chief Augustine and Mr. Paul said the same thing. Frankly, I can't see how we can have a joint commission to appoint judges. Either we go with Superior Court judges with all of the powers conferred about such justices, pursuant to the Judges Act, or tomorrow morning, certain members of the bar will want to take part in the appointment process, or omens' groups will want to be involved in the appointment of matrimonial court judges. That's the potential problem I see. You are not the first to testify before the committee.
I'd like to hear your views on this matter, Mr. Atleo. I have read Bill C-30. Pursuant to this bill, we would be moving from a conciliatory process to a somewhat more adversarial process. In essence, when ones goes before the Superior Court, one is involved in an adversarial process.
I am happy to be able to get Mr. Atleo's opinion. Why did you decide to recommend to first nations that they agree to a adversarial process before Superior Court judges? In particular, are all first nations in agreement on a process that automatically excludes joint appointment commissions?