On my personal history in participating in standing committees, this is the first.
I think that first nations in Alberta have been very effective in working with allies here in Canada and various champions within government and civil society to elevate their issues both domestically and internationally. That ongoing work will continue until there is a policy shift on the part of the federal government and the Alberta government in addressing the rights question that first nations have been presenting for quite a substantial amount of time.
I think ongoing access to important bodies like this, where unique perspectives from first nations can be presented, is most appreciated. We look forward to being a conduit for more communication between mechanisms like the standing committee and the work we're doing in elevating the concerns of first nations about the tar sands.