Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you to all the witnesses here today.
I'm going to start my questioning with the Indian Resource Council, if I could, please. It would be great to hear some responses as well.
Your communities' representation as workers in the resource industry is higher than other communities' participation in the resource industry. These jobs of course pay more than any other jobs in Canada, but particularly in your communities. You're participating: your labour and your indigenous regional benefits.
Now, after years of trying, you're finally getting equity and the recognition of section 35 rights. You've come a long way. This is very important, and we're pleased to see that progress. I particularly am pleased to see that progress, yet you've been catching up. Think about the leadership you brought to this.
But one common note that I've heard here from a few of the witnesses, of course, is that this just transition misstatement—in my opinion—is being put forth without the consultation of the indigenous communities. It is in fact, as Mr. Wapass says, an “unjust transition”.
Can you tell me, Steven Saddleback, how you see this operating better as far as the outcomes go for your community over the next decade?