Mr. Speaker, after all the criticism directed by Cree Chief Matthew Coon-Come against the James Bay agreement and Hydro-Québec, it was encouraging yesterday to hear what was said by Montagnais Chief Élie Jacques Jourdain in Washington, where he explained the benefits of the Sainte-Marguerite hydroelectric project for his community.
The agreement between the Montagnais and Hydro-Québec will boost the economy and employment in the region. According to Chief Jourdain, the agreement will protect the way of life and culture of the Montagnais, since the Montagnais' two conditions were met, namely that the agreement will not adversely affect their ancestral territorial rights and will make them equal partners.
I also wish to commend Chief Jourdain and negotiator Konrad Sioui for having the courage to say in public what many aboriginal people think: a real partnership between Quebec and aboriginal peoples is feasible.