Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
The current motion as amended is entirely different from my original motion and I therefore cannot support it.
First of all, my original motion calls on all of Parliament to work together for this common goal. The reason I purposely put all of Parliament is that I believe we, as elected officials, have an obligation to work together to ensure that all Canadians are treated equally under the law.
Secondly, and just as important, my original motion calls for immediate action, not more consultations, as Ms. Neville's amendment does. Aboriginal groups have been consulted by this government. One hundred and three consultation sessions in 76 sites occurred in Canada. In fact, over $8 million was provided to the Native Women's Association of Canada and the Assembly of First Nations to carry out consultations.
I believe that over the years many of my colleagues, even on this committee, who have been members of Parliament for much longer than I have, talked about and discussed this issue with aboriginal people and with aboriginal women. I believe the time for talk is over. We need to act, and we need to act immediately, to ensure that aboriginal women have the same rights that all Canadians do. I will not support this motion.
Thank you.