Mr. Speaker, I rise to make a comment in support of the bill that is before us at this time. It is my hope that the bill will not only pass but will pass unanimously. We have a long history of trying to resolve our issues and claims with the aboriginal people. It is one of the blemishes which I believe the bill will help to eradicate or erase.
We must act in good faith, sit down, negotiate and end up with an agreement that is supported, although we know negotiated agreements never have 100% support and approval. I understand the view of the member opposite that he should be the voice for those who are the malcontents. I doubt they would ever be satisfied with anything brought forward in the House.
There is a time for us to set aside partisan attitudes. It is time for Canada to move forward and treat aboriginal people with the kind of respect this claim settlement will achieve. We can then move on proudly to a new era of Canadian history. I hope he will join the government in this initiative.