Mr. Speaker, stated simply, the proposed declaration is a flawed document, a flawed instrument that the government cannot support. There are serious difficulties with the document in relation to the provisions for territories and resources, lands, the concept of free and informed consent and also provisions relating to self-government.
The government remains committed to work toward a solution that is practical and workable. There are many nations in the world that are supportive of Canada's position.
As I said earlier in my comments, we have a tradition in our country, some 500 treaties signed over 250 years. They are very important to the country.