Thanks, Mr. Chair.
I want to speak in support of Mr. Russell's motion. I know that for those of us who were on the committee when we were having testimony at committee...there have been a number of issues raised around the specific claims process itself for claims under $150 million. I think it would be timely for us to take a look at what is happening with the tribunal and get an update from the department on the number of claims submitted and the number still outstanding--so it's for that process end of it.
With regard to claims over $150 million, I know that the Six Nations of the Grand River are specifically mentioned in the motion, but there are many, many other specific claims over $150 million that are simply not going anywhere. I believe that when we had the minister before us last year the minister indicated that they were being dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and they were having to go to cabinet and whatnot, but that's really cold comfort to the nations that have these very large claims.
I think it would be timely for us to take a look at some of these large claims and what some of the issues were. Some of them have been outstanding for a couple of decades, so I think it's timely for us to review that process.