Thank you, Mr. Chair.
We propose the amendment to clause 3 for a couple of reasons. First of all, we feel that the level of feedback received from first nations consultations has been uneven across the country. In Ontario and Quebec, we feel that little or no feedback has been obtained.
The AFN regional chief, Jody Wilson, when she represented the AFN before the Senate on this bill, stated:
In terms of clauses 3(1)(b) and (c), I believe that if those clauses remain in the bill, the consultation of which you are asking for clarity and the depth of consultation you are seeking would be greatly increased if those clauses remained, or the obligations would be greatly increased if those clauses remain in this bill.
She went on to say:
If those clauses are removed, it is simpler. The bills become simpler and the consultation would not be required in that this is a First Nations-led initiative and it is entirely optional, which it is not right now.
Also, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, one of the two first nations organizations that initiated the process behind this bill's development, as I know you are already very much aware, is now opposed.
While they would still have concerns, the chief told the committee last week that an amendment like this, restoring the true opt-in nature of the bill and removing that broad discretion of the minister, would make the bill more palatable. That is the crux of what we've been getting as feedback from first nations people.
I want to urge members at the table today to support the amendment and to allow this bill to be seen as a positive piece of legislation by first nations, rather than another imposition of legislation that they did not fully agree to.
That's the purpose of our amendment today.