Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee on April 14th, 2008

[Grand Chief Mike Delisle]

You mentioned something interesting. I don't consider this consultation. I would expect my brothers and sisters to agree with me. Once we've gone to second reading and recognized this as the aboriginal standing committee specific to this issue, it's a little late, in terms of consultation.

We've already stated, again, for the record today, that we're not looking for amendments to this, or interim solutions. It needs to be scrapped. If we are talking to the people here representing the honour of the crown, that message needs to be sent loud and clear back to the government.

My confrere, Ms. Zachary Deom, mentioned earlier the UN declaration. It's an embarrassment, to be honest, at this point. If we're going to be talking independence, then I would suggest that if we want Canada to live up to its honour, let's jointly appoint somebody from the international venue to overlook some of these larger grievances, as well as specifics--that we've been alienated from our lands for so long now.

[The Chair, Conservative, Barry Devolin]

Thank you, sir.

Now, Monsieur Lemay, if you have one quick question, we have a couple of minutes.

[Marc Lemay, Bloc, Abitibi—Témiscamingue, QC]

I will be very brief.

As you will have noticed, ladies and gentlemen, several of us have joined forces in an effort to divide you. At least I noticed this.

I have observed one more thing. I urge you to reread carefully subclause 34(2) of the proposed legislation:

34(2) Subject to subsection (1), the Tribunal’s decisions are final and conclusive between the parties in all proceedings in any court or tribunal arising out of the same or substantially the same facts and are not subject to review.

Obviously, this would apply if you go before this tribunal.

If ever the bill were adopted, do you not believe—and all of you are surrounded by lawyers—that because of the principle of jurisprudence, the decisions of the tribunal would, whether you like it or not, apply to you in any future negotiations?

[The Chair, Conservative, Barry Devolin]

Thank you.

Would anyone like to make a brief reply to Monsieur Lemay's commentary? No?

Well, Monsieur Lemay, you got the last word.

With that, I must conclude this meeting. I want to thank all of our witnesses and all of the other guests for being here today. We appreciate you coming to Ottawa and making your presentations today. Your ideas and views will be carefully considered.

We stand adjourned.