Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to President Gosnell and the Nisga'a people on the signing of the agreement in principle this past Friday. Our colleague, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, is also to be congratulated for his important role in seeing this historic moment to fruition.
Those who know the history of this agreement know that it is long overdue. The Nisga'a have been turned away too many times by too many governments for too many years.
The signing marks the end of 20 years of negotiations, two decades at the negotiating table watching federal and provincial governments come and go. For the Nisga'a this has been going on a lot longer than 20 years. The Nisga'a people have been working at this for over 100 years, quietly, patiently, with dignity and persistence.
The time is long overdue. Our government has a chance to change history and we will do so.