Mr. Lauzon, I'm president, not chief, just in case there's a mix-up. Thank you very much.
Again, by recognizing that indigenous right exist—first nations, Métis and Inuit rights—there is a purpose and a reason that section 35 was created in the Constitution of Canada. It makes it clear that these rights will be protected by the Constitution of this country, so I think it shouldn't be hard to attach a particular reference to ensuring that section 35 rights will be adhered to, respected and followed. I think that would be important.
The clarity that we are seeking is in the consultation section. I know that there are consultations. I read today that Dominic LeBlanc referenced there will be consultations throughout, I think, the summer and into the fall, so that's a process. It's going to be an extra few months, and, hopefully...but who's going to be consulted? That's going to be the key. We're governments. I'm a government. I speak on behalf of all my people, I'm elected democratically by my people, and so my government is also elected by my people. Clearly, at the end of the day, we need to make sure it's inclusive, with our governments at the table. There's going to be an indigenous advisory council. We don't know the role and authority of that advisory council. It is there just for advice? Is it there to have authorities? Does it have any type of powers? Those are the key things we are looking at.
Here's the pressing point for me: As a leader, I don't just look at the problems my people face, I also look at the country of Canada. We were there in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. We were asked to come in massive numbers. We came. We came to fight for a country that didn't respect our rights. We still keep the fight for it, and so, at the end of the day, we're going to fight for this country.
There's an economic war happening, and we're taking it very seriously. I do not take Trump lightly—I'll tell you that right now. He can cause so much damage. This is what I look at. In my cabinet discussions when we're talking, we look at...right now we're in a deficit in this country. We're trying to fight over the common deficit. Imagine if a recession were to kick in. What's it going to look like? I tell you this, Mr. Lauzon, if there is a recession and cuts are going to start drastically happening in large percentages of dollars, I guarantee you that my people will be the first hit. I guarantee you that it's the poor and the lower-middle class who will be hit the hardest, so we have to defend and fight vigorously to make sure we prevent a recession.
I'm supporting Bill C-5 because we're at the point of an economic war and we have to come together. I know, as I said in my speech yesterday to the Senate, you're asking indigenous people, you're asking the Métis of Red River to trust the Government of Canada, to trust the politicians of Canada, that they will make sure section 35 rights will be protected and included. That's a big ask.
Now, are you going to give us something in return to make sure that we can trust you, that it's going to be real and that somebody's not going to burn us at the end of the day and say, “Sorry, we made a mistake and your people will suffer again for another 10 years”? Again, that's the issue, but we believe strongly in moving forward. I know this agenda: The Prime Minister wants to pass this by July 1, and he will get my support. It's not just because he's the new Prime Minister. If it were Poilievre doing it, I'd give him the same support because, at the end of the day, I think we're in a position right now where we have to fight for our country, Canada. That's what is driving me right now to stand behind this bill.