Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
My colleagues may have noticed that I have not spoken frequently, and I do not intend to speak out more frequently.
However, on this specific issue, we cannot pass an amendment that would remove a significant component of the amendment that Ms. Crowder has tabled with respect to the non-derogation clause. Ms. Crowder's amendment is complete in and of itself, and if any one of its constituent paragraphs were to be removed, we would be removing a significant part of the amendment's substance.
The Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, as well as many other people, have testified before this committee. I listened to them as they repeatedly explained to us what stems from a non-derogation clause.
They told us that we must take into consideration the rights and freedoms recognized by the Royal Proclamation. If this didn't happen, they told us that we should take into consideration the rights and freedoms that now exist by way of land claim agreements or may be so acquired. Lastly, and this is just as important, they told us that we should take into consideration the rights and freedoms recognized under the customary laws or traditions of the first nations peoples of Canada.
All these make up a whole. I will not dare say, as it would be misleading, that the amendment is like a house of cards that would collapse were we to remove a card. No, it constitutes a whole. To take away one paragraph... I'm referring simply to the possibility, because up until now, I have not heard that the amendment will not be supported. Nonetheless, if an amendment were to be proposed, it is certain that we would argue to vote down that amendment because it would remove a significant, if not essential component of the bill.
In fact, if we do not take into consideration what happened following the Royal Proclamation of October 7, 1763, and if we do not take into consideration the rights or freedoms that now exist by way of treaties or land claim agreements, we must absolutely take into consideration the rights and freedoms recognized under the customary laws, the fundamental laws of the first nations and the traditions of these peoples.
As a result, Mr. Chairman, we must vote on NDP-3 in its entirety. After that, we can deal with LIB-1. Like you, I realize that if we vote in favour of NDP-3, we must set aside LIB-1. However, for now, everything is grouped under this one proposed amendment. This is exactly what the Assembly of First Nations asked of us, and it is exactly what we are getting ready to do. We therefore cannot split the proposed amendment.