Our official start time is 8:00 a.m.
I like to be on time because it's important that everyone gets their allocated time so that we are fair, that everyone has an opportunity to be heard, and that members of Parliament are able to ask questions to ensure that our report is comprehensive. This will form the basis of what we will provide to the Government of Canada.
First of all, I'd like to recognize that we're on the traditional land of the Mohawk people.
This is our fourth visit. We started in Vancouver, went to Winnipeg, went to Quebec City yesterday, and are now in Belleville. In three weeks, we are heading up to Yellowknife. The committee is studying land claims, both comprehensive and specific.
It's important that we reflect on this at this time, as our Prime Minister has indicated that the relationship between Canada and our first nations, our first peoples, our indigenous peoples, is the most important. We are on a process of truth and finally reconciliation.
What will happen is that, although we cannot cut you a cheque, we can make recommendations to government.