Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the witnesses for coming here.
A couple of things here bother me, and I speak from my heart. Being first nations, having family still living on-reserve, having lived on-reserve, having worked on-reserve, and having aboriginals on the committee, when I hear opposition telling us we should be embarrassed about our treaties.... I take treaties as a very personal matter, especially internationally. I talk to many aboriginals across the world. As Canada, we as first nations should be proud, because we're sitting at the bargaining table negotiating, trying to make all first nations and aboriginals better overall.
Using the words “being embarrassed”--I take offence to that. I'm not looking for pity. I don't think first nations are looking for pity. We want to progress as first nations people.
We hold treaties as part of our traditions and we're proud of our treaties. As Canadians, we work together, aboriginal and non-aboriginal. So when we use the word “embarrassment”, that embarrasses me as a first nations person.
I shouldn't have to say any more. I'm sharing my time here, but I'm sorry; that's my tirade.
In your situation here--and I'm kind of curious--how much have they costed for this policy? What would it cost, and how much would it cost the government to fully implement it, and how much would it cost in its first year?
Thank you.