Thank you, Madam Chair.
Thank you to our witnesses this morning.
I come from a region where there has been an environmental assessment and review process in place for almost 45 years now. I definitely see the merit of having a rigorous environmental assessment and review process in place for the benefit of all, not just for indigenous nations, but also for industry.
I agree with the comment that you are at the forefront of reconciliation. I remember the first agreement we signed with a mining company in my area, in 1994. It was based on very solid principles that continue to exist today in terms of our relationship with mining companies in the region.
I insisted on having your testimony. At one of our meetings not too long ago I insisted on hearing your perspective or, as you call it, the real world perspective. For context on our discussion here, I thought it was important to hear your concerns and suggestions to that effect.
I understand the testimony. I understand the need for a deferral in this case. I think the reason that you're bringing it to the table this morning is valid. I think it's important for all of us to be clear on what we're dealing with.
Mr. Smith, one of the things you suggested in your testimony is that we strike a committee composed of the different stakeholders, which is a good suggestion. Do you differentiate between the stakeholders? On one side, of course, you have an interest in all of this, but on the other side, there are people in other Yukon first nations who have constitutional rights in this discussion. Do you make a distinction between parties in that sense?