Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the witnesses.
I was struck by your comments at the end on treaties. I think they are very appropriate and are part of the ongoing struggle that first nations and non-status people across this country face. There is a confusion between treaties and laws. Laws are made by Parliament, and treaties have a different level of authority under the Constitution as well You're absolutely right. That's a very valid comment on this.
But we are dealing with the law here. There are some changes to the law that have been proposed by Mr. Clarke in his private member's bill. You said that you thought this was a good idea, the bylaw relating to intoxicants. I'm thinking of the Northwest Territories where our communities are not on reserve. All communities have the authority, through plebiscite, to outlaw alcohol in their communities. That outlawing of alcohol applies to all people. Are you saying here that the 259 reserves that have made decisions about intoxicants should not have that authority that's provided to municipalities across the country?