I have two things to say. Firstly, in response to Mr. Bélanger's question, we did in fact receive an invitation to attend the First Nations Economic Development Conference. However, since Parliament was sitting, my whip did not give us permission to attend. There are some votes scheduled and therefore, we need to be here.
Secondly, to answer Mr. Duncan's question, I suggested that the committee visit Maniwaki because this would be an extension of our study on economic development. Few of you may remember this, but around May or June of last year, we began our study of First Nations economic development. Our first order of business was a trip to Iqaluit and to Pagnirtung. Had Parliament not suddenly been dissolved and elections called, we would have picked up and continued this study when the session resumed. Unfortunately, that was not to be. I'm suggesting we visit Maniwaki as part of our study on the economic development of First Nations.
It is critically important, to my mind, that we meet with First Nations to talk about education, which is a priority of theirs. I suggested that we visit Maniwaki, not only as part of our study on the economic development of First Nations, but also to meet with the elected Grand Chief of Maniwaki, Mr. Whiteduck, and with the Chair of the First Nations Education Steering Committee. This visit would accomplish three things all at once.
Thirdly, I agree with what Mr. Bagnell was saying. I believe the North is poised to experience incredible economic development. This is something we need to look at because any development that is undertaken should respect the wishes of First Nations, and especially of the Inuit. I'm not sure that we can turn our attention to this matter during the coming session.