Thank you, Mr. Chair.
There is a question I would like to ask before Mr. Godin presents his subamendment. It's a question for the officials, one that is always appropriate.
To begin with, I want to underscore the tireless work of the member for Sackville—Preston—Chezzetcook. His life experience has led us to this amendment and to a bill that will considerably change things for our communities across Canada. I also approve of Mr. Godin's sound proposals.
That said, I would like the officials to clarify something.
We know that indigenous communities are also affected by the sale of real property or federal lands. In testimony before the committee, we heard that there was a shortage of land in francophone communities to build schools. It's important to point out that such sales of lands or buildings are also part of what the federal government has to do as part of the reconciliation process with indigenous peoples.
Will the proposed amendments enable the federal government to continue to make these lands available to first nations? Will it protect first nations' right to acquire these lands on a priority basis?