When we're debating bills such as these, I think it's important to remember the intent of our debate and the intent of this bill. As we've discussed, in this bill we've been trying to ensure that, as introduced, Bill C-61 hands over jurisdiction over decision-making regarding water. Then, having had Bill C-15 become law in Canada, this would help strengthen the ability of first nations to ensure they are exercising their inherent rights, as well as what we've passed in Parliament under Bill C-15 for UNDRIP: “free, prior and informed consent”.
The way that I could see it implemented is that there would be consultation. There is a right to participate, especially because it includes the right to their lands, territories and resources. Ensuring this declaration for free, prior and informed consent would make sure that first nations are engaged fully, as has been discussed. Up to this time, we've heard, for example, that only 31% of first nations were consulted in this so-called co-developed bill.
I mentioned earlier that I met a chief of a first nation this afternoon who has never even heard of Bill C-61, so these concepts of ensuring consent—concepts of ensuring free, prior and informed consent—will help to make sure that first nations can be engaged in the way that they need to be, especially with Canada's colonial and genocidal policies continuing to impact the work that first nations try to do. This would be a real recognition and a real form of reconciliation: ensuring that first nations can give the free, prior and informed consent even at regulation stage.
Qujannamiik.