Thanks.
I want to draw the committee's attention to two existing instruments. The first is Bill S-3. That's from 2017. There was an instrument that was used in that case to allow for immediate legislative amendments to respond to the discrimination that was outlined in that circumstance. There was also a parallel mechanism introduced under the bill that contemplated...and directed the minister to engage directly with first nations across Canada to discuss issues. Back then, they were with regard to status, band membership and complications with the registry. In these circumstances, parliamentarians would benefit from that example and potentially utilize and apply it in these circumstances.
The second instrument is Bill C-92, which serves as a helpful framework for the implementation of first nations citizenship. Specifically, the recognition of an off-ramp and an opt-in system for first nations to avail themselves of if they decide they're ready to take on exclusive jurisdiction over citizenship is extraordinarily helpful in these cases. Implementing national minimum standards that mandate compliance with the charter, human rights legislation and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples would be immensely helpful in these circumstances. That is an option for committee members to consider going forward.
I acknowledge the complications of these circumstances but encourage all of those here to legislate responsibly. That includes a mechanism for engaging with first nations.