Yes, I met with many first nations communities during the AFN assembly, and water did come up in many of the discussions.
In fact, in Mr. Melillo's riding, there are 42 first nations. As far as I can see, Mr. Melillo has not been to many of those first nations, and people are disappointed when their members of Parliament don't actually visit the communities in their own riding and don't advocate for the priorities of first nations.
I would just say that there's an opportunity to make amends. I get it. We're all busy. Some of these ridings are vast. I'm about to find that out myself with the riding boundary changes. I believe I'll be in the same position as some of my colleagues with many first nations that are remote.
It is important when we have a chance in this House to support first nations priorities, and not having unanimous consent last week was deeply disappointing, including to Chief Moonias, who said that if this legislation passes, it would help raise the standards or even set the standards for their drinking water. Right now, there's nothing there. They hoped it would have gone to the Senate today, and they're disappointed.
You can hear that there was a lot of hopefulness. I know that it's not our last chance. I know the committee worked really hard on that legislation, and I do hope that we'll see it get to the Senate before Christmas so that they can begin their very important study of the bill as well.