Thanks, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, Grand Chief Makinaw and Grand Chief Nepinak.
I want to start with the process. I think you are well aware that the government is claiming it fulfilled its duty to consult because of the process with the Atlantic Policy Congress and the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
A briefing document that was provided to us indicated there was a Senate report, and the government tabled a response to that report which indicated “a strong commitment to dialogue and work with first nations regional organizations who are asking for legislative alternatives for first nations elections.” That was in October 2010. In March 2011 the AMC and the APC submitted their report to the minister on the national engagement effort on electoral reform.
When was it that you first saw the actual legislation, Grand Chief Nepinak?