Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am happy to move CPC-9, which I think falls in line with many of the amendments we have been bringing forward from our side.
As it would read, it would include “co-develop the framework with those bodies.”
Let me just come back here. Subclause 27(1) currently reads:
The Minister must consult and cooperate with First Nation governing bodies in respect of a framework for assessing needs—and the making and implementing of funding allocation decisions—respecting water services on First Nation lands.
This would add, after “water services on First Nation lands”:
and must co-develop the framework with those bodies.
That ensures that first nation governing bodies, once again, have a direct say and input to be able to guide this process.
I'm not going to belabour the point, because we've heard a lot of quotes already from witnesses. We've heard from chiefs and community leaders who came and told us that they did not feel adequately consulted on this legislation and had some concerns with the authority afforded to the minister. Although there is that “consult and cooperate” language, this hopes to take it a step further and ensure that there is co-development and that the minister is unable to make any decisions that the first nation may not approve of without that direct involvement.
Again, I said I did not want to belabour it, but I think I went on a bit of a ramble there, so I'll cede the floor now and open it to any comments from my colleagues.