Absolutely, I do. I would view the alternative dispute mechanism, depending on what each community chooses for itself to have...it could have a very broad application covering all disputes. The model we're promoting isn't restrictive only to those issues that could arise under the Canadian Human Rights Act as a complaint. This would be community-based or regional-based or what have you—again, whatever the community.
The tool kit does use examples of some successful and developing first nations dispute mechanisms. We've engaged those communities in helping us develop this tool kit and I would see it as being possible to address some of the issues that would arise under the matrimonial property as well.
I want to hasten to add—because you've referenced safety—that under the Canadian Human Rights Act there is provision where if a complaint comes to us, we can require the complainant to access the alternate dispute mechanism. That, however, is a discretionary provision. They are not required. So the mere existence of a good system in place does not mean we would turn it away.
I raise that because in our round tables we have heard from aboriginal women that they may not feel safe in accessing the community-based alternate dispute mechanism if one were established. We are assuring them that they're not required to if a complainant says here are the reasons why I don't want to access that and we want to come to the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Then certainly we can do that.
The general principle is, the closer to the source of the dispute and the sooner it can be resolved, the better it is for all parties.