Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
I'll just start by saying thank you to all of the different witnesses who have provided some very important testimony today.
I'm going to start with Mr. Balisky.
You commented on your operations in Saskatchewan and the fact that they're indigenous-led and that some of the benefit has accrued to the indigenous community in Saskatchewan. I thought that was very important testimony.
You also talked about some of the features of CUSMA; in particular, the allowance for increased exposure and involvement of indigenous persons in that trade agreement and what it resulted in, including citing Article 32.5 of the CUSMA agreement.
I want to put to you something that came up at the last meeting we had on this very issue, from a witness who was invited by Her Majesty's official opposition. He is a gentleman named Mark Warner. When he was asked about indigenous involvement in negotiations, he said—and I'm going to quote it so that I get it right, because I'm reading from the blues:
I hate to tell you the truth, but for most trading partners, Canada is an annoying country to negotiate with, because they already have a hard enough time negotiating with the provinces and the federal government.
Then he went on to say, and I am continuing to quote:
If you add on indigenous communities, I think you'll just make it even more complicated, to be very honest with you. It's hard enough now.
I have my own views about Mr. Warner's testimony, but I'm wondering if you might be able to provide us with some observations, Mr. Balisky.