Mr. Speaker, last week, Justice René Dussault, co-chair of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, recognized that the situation of aboriginal people was significantly better in Quebec than in the rest of Canada. Their economic situation, as well as the protection of their language and agreements like the James Bay agreement reflect the development of aboriginal nations in Quebec.
Since 1983, the Quebec government has developed a clear policy that shows respect for aboriginal people by adopting 15 basic principles to guide the government in negotiating with them. These principles include the recognition of Quebec's aboriginal peoples as distinct nations.
This recognition is a necessary first step to any serious negotiation, especially respectful negotiations, with the aboriginal peoples of Canada. Quebec granted them this recognition 10 years ago. What is the federal government waiting for to follow suit?