Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to Chief Bellegarde and Professor Chartrand for being here today.
My questions relate to sections 82 and 85 regarding by-laws. Mr. Clarke has stated that his reason for putting forward this amendment to the Indian Act is that first nations governments are treated differently from other governments with respect to their internal affairs. At present, section 82 of the Indian Act requires by-laws made to be provided to the minister for approval. The minister has the power to disallow them.
I think that bands should have to submit their by-laws to the minister and that the minister should have the power to disallow them if he wishes.
Mr. Chartrand.