I think that, in that example, the recognition of the Métis as a representative for our historic rights-bearing communities needs to come expressly. That needs to be written; it needs to be stated. What we have, to the contrary and very much in the public, are Métis local communities that have been fighting in Alberta courts to have timely elections. With concerns about the funding we have available, it really makes it difficult for a community like mine. We don't have lawyers at our table. We have a large community, and it makes it difficult for us to make sure we're fairly represented. I think Canada needs to ensure that this process is transparent and accurate, and to make sure we have democratically elected them to represent our rights and have consented to such. No such consent was given by my community, regardless of a statement made by Cassidy Caron of the Métis National Council, I think, to this committee that 97% of the people had voted. With respect, that is not correct. I think they had about 16,000 out of 60,000-plus Métis consent to this after a really problematic process. That is not a democratic endorsement from my community.
My community leaders stand unanimously with me on this on behalf of my community—that we oppose that.