First, I want to thank our witnesses.
Mr. Kessel, I must say that your presentation seemed very optimistic. I have some of the same concerns as Mr. Wilfert, but I think that is the only position you can take. If I was in your shoes, I would say the same thing. We cannot afford to be weak or to say that we are unsure. I very much like your decisive way of saying “yes”. Nevertheless, there are other considerations to take into account. Control of the territory, specifically, occupation of the territory, is a very important one.
Before I get into my questions, I would like to know one thing. We were told that the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs had taken the lead in this matter. Do all of you sitting at the far end of the table share that opinion?