Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Since it seems we're going to go into a few topics here, perhaps I'll address some of the things suggested by my colleagues in relation to exemptions in transition periods for first nations people. Clearly, the last time we made a specific change to the Canadian Human Rights Act, there was a three-year transition period for first nations people. That is what I suggested earlier.
I think in part due to the fact, it seems to me, that there hasn't been specific consultation with first nations leaders on this bill—the AFN seemed unaware of the bill, the content of the bill, and the fact that it had a significant impact on them—I think it is a good idea to give them time to transition to something that is demonstrably going to impact them, relative to government departments, which, one might argue, are perhaps more able to manage the changes that this legislative body puts forward. First nations communities typically don't have the same degree of bureaucracies that can prepare their governance structures for these substantive changes. That was my suggestion.
Just to clarify with both Ms. Glover and Ms. Findlay in relation to that, I guess from my perspective I just feel that, regardless of the merits of the bill—which they obviously believe in—nonetheless, we as legislators talk about including first nations people and leaders in debates on legislation that will impact them, and I don't feel that we can set that aside in a particular circumstance where there is some cross-party support. I guess that's my point.
I would like to perhaps hear from Mr. Garrison about the discussions that he has had with the AFN in relation to this bill and how he has been able to incorporate their input and get their consultation on it.