Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm not sure in some cases who I should address my questions to, so I'll just ask them of everyone and leave it up to you to decide who should respond.
My first question has to do with indigenous peoples. I understand there is a discrepancy between the English and French versions of the bill. The English term has been changed from “aboriginal” to “indigenous”. In French, the term is still “autochtone” or “aboriginal”.
There is also another change. Clause 79 of the bill refers to a “council, government or other entity that is authorized to act on behalf of an Indigenous group, community or people that holds rights recognized and affirmed by section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982”.
Will this provision limit the number of aboriginal communities that can be consulted or can sign agreements with the Correctional Service of Canada? Will you work with the appropriate federal department?