Mr. Chair, two of my colleagues have already expressed their views on this matter, and so I have little to add. First of all, it has to be public. Second, the government has testified publicly. We must continue in that manner. Third, I hope that Grand Chief Atleo is involved. Otherwise, there would be a serious problem.
As well, it seems clear to me that the grand chief must be present. He is not here as a claimant but in his capacity as Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Canada. He therefore speaks for the first nations. It would be unfortunate and cause irreparable harm if he were prevented from testifying. I think that the grand chief misunderstood me, Mr. Chair. I think there has been a slight interpretation problem. Do you hear me, grand chief?
Mr. Chair, I hope that the grand chief will remain with us and speak on this very important issue, which directly concerns all the aboriginals he represents through the chiefs of Canada. In my opinion, we shouldn’t see problems when there are none. We should start immediately; we have only an hour and a half left.