Welcome everyone. We have a very large crowd. I'm glad everyone's here. We are starting a new study, but before we get into the hearing itself, we have a bit of committee business to take care of.
Prior to that, I want to recognize that we are on the unceded territory of the Algonquin people. Part of a process that more and more Canadians are taking part in is recognizing the lands of our original peoples, where we hold public hearings or ceremonies, which is an important part of the process of truth and reconciliation.
Pursuant to order of reference on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, we are going to be discussing Bill C-262, an act to ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Before we get into presentations, I would ask the committee to have a look at the budget. We need to approve $1,700 to complete our lands study. It is moved by Mike and seconded by Gary that we approve it.
(Motion agreed to)
Thank you.
We have a full agenda, and we have many experts in the room. We want to hear from you. Many Canadians are interested in the topic, especially one of our members, Romeo Saganash, who is the presenter of the bill and is bringing it forward for Canada.
We are going to start with the Department of Justice. We have two representatives. The way it works is that you'll present for 10 minutes, then we will move to the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, then to Canadian Heritage. Each group will have 10 minutes, after which we will go into rounds of questioning.
Thank you very much for your attention. We're going to start with the Department of Justice. We have Ana Stuhec and Stefan Matiation.