Thanks, Mr. Chair.
I'd just like to move a motion:That, the Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development immediately commence a study on the subject matter of the sections of Bill C-38, An Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 29, 2012 and other measures, which directly fall within the mandate of this committee, namely Part 3, Division 5, Fisheries Act; Part 4, Division 46, First Nations Land Management Act; Part 4, Division 49, First Nations Fiscal and Statistical Management Act.
I think we're all well aware that these parts have been bundled into a complex piece of legislation. Over this last week, and certainly in our travels, I think we've heard that certain parts of the bill could have an impact on first nations communities. So we're asking that the committee consider studying the sections of the bill directly related to Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development.
It's an important piece of legislation that requires oversight. I know that in the past various bills from various governments have been passed with unexpected consequences—and that's not a partisan remark. I know all committee members are hard-working and would be concerned if a bill had an unintended consequence. I'm sure we want to do our due diligence and make sure this bill doesn't have that effect.
I know that the Assembly of First Nations, for example, has issued a series of questions around the Fisheries Act. It's not clear to us what those changes are. We understand there are going to be regulatory changes, but the Assembly of First Nations has posed a number of questions that I think will be important for this committee to consider.
I think it makes sense for us to have a full study of these particular sections of the bill. Again, we know that mistakes have been made in legislation in the past; we've had to see legislation come back to the House to correct those mistakes. I think it's important that we take the time we need to study the bill and its impacts to make sure there are no unintended consequences.
I'd ask all committee members to support my motion.
