I have to say that our government has made many consultations in the last years. We have had 103 consultations, at a cost of $8 million, so we have met with your people. I was just wondering how well consulted your own members were and whether they are truly aware of the factors in Bill S-2.
When I talk about the facts of Bill S-2, I point to the bill, which says, “the best interests of any children who habitually reside in the family home, including the interest of any child who is a First Nation member to maintain a connection with that First Nation”. That is very important to your people. I realize that.
Another factor is the financial situation and the medical condition of the spouse or common-law partner. That's an important factor that's under consideration in this bill, as well as the availability of other suitable accommodations situated on the reserve. Someone also mentioned that sometimes there are elders who live in those houses, and that is a factor that's brought up in here as well. It says “the interests of any elderly person or person with a disability who habitually resides in the family home and for whom either spouse or common-law partner is the caregiver”.
Now, I taught on a reserve for four years prior to becoming an MP, and I realize those situations exist, but I do feel—