Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.
On Monday in the House the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development stated that the Sawridge band of northern Alberta is probably one of the richest bands in the country. Yet, and I quote, "that band is saying to its people that it will not share".
For the minister's information I spent three years in the early 1980s as an official with the Alberta government helping to prepare native and Métis communities in northern Alberta for local self-government. I observed firsthand both the business acumen and the generosity of the Sawridge band under its chief Senator Walter Twinn.
I ask the minister what evidence he can provide to back up this outrageous insult to the Sawridge band.