Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This would provide amendments on page 54 of the bill, adding in at an appropriate point in the flow of procedures that, when warrants are being issued, there would be an opportunity for the creation of special advocates. This would, of course, allow for a fuller examination of the issues and also the portion of the amendment that deals with first nations—and it's very modest language, at the end of proposed new subsection 27.2 (1)—
In appointing a person from the list, the judge must take into consideration whether the person, or the person included in a class of persons, to whom the warrant is proposed to be directed is a First Nation member.
—to then consider a first nations advocate.
I was very struck by the testimony of Professor Palmater who felt there would be occasions when the special status in treaty rights would require this. In the time I seem to be allowed here, I can't adequately describe the amendment, but it is to create special advocates.