The minister is certainly aware of the recommendation and the importance that we attach to it and has undertaken to discuss that recommendation. I know that the Correctional Service of Canada continues to be resistant. In fact, their arguments are that it is already a file that is part of the mandate of the senior deputy commissioner and it already has senior representation around the table and, in fact, it's everybody's responsibility to properly acknowledge and implement the strategic plan for indigenous offenders. The problem with that is that it's the status quo, and it hasn't worked.
We have elders engaged throughout the correctional process. We have a national aboriginal advisory committee that's statutorily required, but what we don't have is.... One of my staff gave me an idea this morning. She asked why we don't have elders' directives instead of commissioner's directives. Why don't we change the language? Why don't we make it clear that this is about respecting indigenous culture, spirituality, and needs? Why don't we have elders' directives?
Well, if we had a deputy commissioner for indigenous corrections, perhaps that could be a function for that person: to create that opportunity, that space, and to actually bring that kind of leadership into correctional practice. The status quo isn't working.