Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I have several questions for Ms. Merrick and Mr. Batise. I'll start with Mr. Batise.
Thank you for being here. I'm going to ask you three questions. If we run out of time, maybe you can respond in writing later.
The word “illegitimacy” came up a lot in your remarks. It was also used earlier during the first hour of testimony. You also talked about the Powley decision and who gets to decide what's legitimate. That can be talked about in very general terms.
Then, and I'm being objective here, you say the government is making a mistake by introducing this bill. How did it make that mistake? Why did it introduce this bill?
I would also like you to talk to us about inequity, which you also mentioned several times, inequity for the Métis and the first nations with respect to concrete, tangible territorial rights.
Mr. Batise, please start with the question about legitimacy.