Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Good afternoon, Mr. Minister.
There is something new: this pool of 20 judges that we are adding. I know that you have tabled several bills that have recently been passed, for example Bill C-2 that has just been passed by the Senate. We know that this could create a volume which, in truth, would be justified given the new legislation that we have passed. The fact remains that aside from this volume, there is the specific issue of what we call the claims tribunals.
Could you tell me, as we are looking towards an increase in the number of judges, what the participation of the Assembly of First Nations would be? This is important. In Quebec, the first nations represent approximately 88,000 people. In the other provinces, it is much more. The fact that a third party may participate really is rather new. I would like to know how you see any assistance that the first nations may be able to offer as far as future appointments are concerned.