Merci, Monsieur Lemire.
Minister, I want to start by quoting what we heard from Chief Hill earlier this week. Her words were, “Then we have Bill C-61, which introduces non-binding legislation that promises 'best efforts'. This is a slap in the face. No wonder first nations often turn to the courts to pursue federal accountability for their issues.”
Her community is one where 70% of households are without reliable piped drinking water. We also learned from her that while we've been told that consultations began in 2018, no one from Six Nations was consulted until they had their first opportunity to present to this committee just a few days ago.
If you're telling us that first nations have co-developed the bill, why are we hearing such a gap between communities affected like Six Nations, Chief Hill's community, and what we're hearing from you?