Thank you, Madam Chair.
I would like to point out a number of things.
First, when the members from the six First Nations were here in committee, we were called to vote in the House twice, so we were not able to hear from them.
Second, I would like to point out that this bill changes the nature of property in the bands, and it is an affront to Aboriginal communities.
In addition, the communities are asking for more time. The NDP asked that we give communities more time to organize themselves in accordance with the provisions in this bill, but that will not happen. Yet it is not easy to have access to judges or justice when you are in the far north and communication with more urban communities is not easy. That will create major problems.
Furthermore, this bill has been linked to domestic violence and the protection of families and children. But who will be kicked out, when 12 to 14 people live in the same house, including the parents and grandparents, both maternal and paternal? If the responsibility is given to the mother, will the mother-in-law be thrown out? Where will she stay? That does not factor in the lack of housing or the fact that these people need structures such as shelters and women's centres. They also need adapted and rapid transit between their homes and places where they can have timely access to justice. None of those problems will be addressed by this bill.
The bill introduces private ownership in the bands, band councils and territories. It changes the law for the people who live there, without consideration for their own paths or their own laws. None of that is being done in cooperation with the communities, which need our support as legislators.