Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Minister, for joining us today.
My first question concerns the opposition we're hearing from Yukon first nations. It's been made clear that they are opposed to the amendments made by Bill S-6 to YESAA because, in their own words, they say that they undermine their aboriginal rights, titles, and interests.
I'd like to quote the Grand Chief Ruth Massie, who said, “This whole process attacks the integrity of our constitutionally protected agreements and Yukon First Nations will stand by their agreements even if it means going to court, they give us no choice. We did not sign our agreements to implement them in the courts but we will protect them.”
Mr. Minister, how is it that you are prepared to push forward a bill that does not have the consent of Yukon first nations? Passing the bill violates their final agreement. Why is this government willing to pass legislation that undermines a constitutionally protected agreement, and send Canada into litigation against first nations?