Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I feel that, again, we understand the spirit of the amendment, and it has many merits, but I believe the existing clause 31 is actually a significant commitment for the Government of Canada and is aligned with that substantive equality concept.
To reiterate, clause 5(2) reads as follows:
The making of decisions under this Act is to be guided by the principle of substantive equality in relation to water services, as reflected in the following concepts:
(a) the distinct needs of First Nations for reliable access to water services must be addressed in a way that respects First Nations rights and their access must be comparable to that in non-Indigenous communities;
(b) First Nations are, without discrimination, to have control over their water services, including any related information management systems and the data and information they contain, and the design, construction, operation, maintenance and management of their water services; and
(c) First Nations may, without discrimination, exercise their right to deliver water services through service delivery models designed by them to suit their needs, including through the adoption of innovative approaches and technology.
Therefore, because of this strong language, I feel it's already a significant commitment for the government, so I would not be supportive of the amendment.
Thank you.