I think the Government of British Columbia and Premier Campbell led the way. I think he led the way because he realized that there was no alternative but a different relationship with first nations.
For three years I had the honour of serving as chair of the first nations limited partnership in B.C., which was a partnership of 16 first nations involved in the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline. Those first nations negotiated a breakthrough agreement with the oil companies and with the Government of British Columbia that guarantees environmental monitoring and control of the project with respect to how that project will proceed, ongoing consultation, and substantial economic benefits to the communities, some of which have already flowed. It's a remarkably progressive document that also looks at advantages in terms of contracting, jobs, and all those opportunities.
Those kinds of development negotiations are happening across the country. To me it's one of the ironies, when you think about it, that's it because B.C. was uncomfortable with treaties, going back to the 19th century, where there is a part of British Columbia...it's covered by Treaty No. 8, which is now in court over the Site C development. B.C. and Quebec have made more progress with respect to building stronger partnerships and engagement than has taken place in the treaty provinces, because the treaties have been used as an excuse for the province and the federal government to say, well, you have your treaty; there's your deal.
When you compare that deal to the other deals that are now being signed in the non-treaty provinces, there's no comparison. That's what is creating the resentment in the treaty groups. That's what is creating this sense of total frustration that they are not getting the kind of partnerships and the kind of benefits they see other provinces getting.