Mr. Speaker, clearly, the blueprint and the dynamics of this piece of legislation before us is not a one size fits all proposition. As a matter of fact, it actually recognizes that first nations are very diverse in nature and that they have different opportunities. It will be up to each first nation to decide if and when it will make a law in order to exercise the powers pursuant to this bill when it is passed and whether it will request service from an institution. Clearly, we are putting the decision making where it rightfully belongs, in the hands of the leaders of the first nations.
It is incumbent on members of the House to recognize how very diverse first nations are. Some have very large tax bases while others have extremely limited ones. In either case, they will have the opportunity to access the specialized advice, training and support services they require in order to succeed.
The very issues that my hon. colleagues raised are actually entrenched in this legislation.