Mr. Ross Pattee (Assistant Deputy Minister, Implementation Sector, Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs) at the Indigenous and Northern Affairs Committee

Of course, we are already engaged right now in moving forward. As you heard from the minister, the budget yesterday allotted over $31 million for consultation and engagement with a variety of people who have an interest in this legislation as it moves forward.

Our plan is quite comprehensive and extensive, and it will involve all indigenous partners, rights holders, industry and individual indigenous rights. It's going to be very important that we complete that process so that we come up with the best action plan possible.