Madam Speaker, the Nisga'a people have been afforded certain responsibilities and authorities. Otherwise, what would be the point? Why have an agreement if there will be no difference and it will be the status quo?
The federal and provincial taxation authorities are not affected by the Nisga'a authority and there are no other Nisga'a government taxation authorities in the final agreement. Even the municipalities and the school boards have the authority to levy taxes. Are we saying that we will diminish the document, the Nisga'a agreement, to that of a school board or a municipality? That is his opinion and one he is entitled to, but I, frankly, do not believe in that.