Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Minister Strahl, for coming today.
I just have to say that it's been a real pleasure working with you. Right from the first day you took the job you immediately dove right in to some of the most challenging files our country faces. Of course, as you already mentioned, you came out to Winnipeg to meet with a number of residential school claimants, and of course your appearance in Winnipeg was very much appreciated. I know you've taken a real interest in that part of the file. It's one of the most important things our government has done in relation to aboriginal affairs.
I'll just highlight the fact that when some of those erroneous claims regarding the $82 million came out, I think it was you who was the first person who was quick to identify that it actually came from a payment that was made in the previous year to the elders. So again, I just want to commend you for being able to understand that file as well as you have right from the get-go.
This week, there was an incredible announcement of an important modification to the way we deal with specific claims. The Specific Claims Tribunal Act, Bill C-30, which you just introduced, is going to make a dramatic difference in the way we deal with specific claims. When I look at supplementary estimates this year, we have a pretty large dollar amount set aside for claim settlements. Perhaps you could take this opportunity to talk about how we deal with claims right now versus how we will once Bill C-30 is brought in.