Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
Thank you to the minister for your announcement and for how quickly you reacted. You can imagine how pleased we were that your reaction actually preceded the tabling of our report.
I have two quick questions. The first has to do with the announced extensive consultations--you've reiterated that here--with regard to the importance of resolving matrimonial property rights concerns. Of course, we're cognizant of the fact that a lot of the problem, how long this problem has continued, has a great deal to do with the lack of recognition of first nations and their abilities and right to deal with the issues.
What I want is an assurance from you, Minister, that these consultations are real, that legislation is not being drafted and will not be drafted before they are concluded, and that your ministry will absolutely listen to the solutions that first nations bring to this problem.
My second question has to do with your remarks. You said that a great deal of the problem of women and their children being forced off reserve has to do with the fact that there simply isn't enough on-reserve housing. Clearly, the money that was allocated in this year's budget only begins to address that issue. There's a great deal more to do. I wonder if you would be prepared to support future allocations of money in budgets beyond March 2007 to address what is a very significant problem on reserves with regard to the lack of adequate housing.