Mr. Speaker, just to clarify, the Reform Party does recognize treaty rights as solemn and binding obligations on the part of government.
The minister of Indian affairs has negotiated a draft co-management agreement for three million acres with the Montreal Lake Band near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, without the participation of the province and without consulting rural municipalities. These are vigorously opposing the draft because it tramples on their responsibilities.
The minister stated on Monday on the CBC that he would not back up "one G- inch" on this issue. Why is the minister being so pig-headed on this issue?