Mr. Speaker, the member's question reveals a lack of understanding of what “duty to consult” constitutes. Committee meetings are not a consultation process. The member well knows that the government has shifted its language from “consultation” to“engagement”, because it recognizes that what it is doing is not consultation.
The member pointed out quite rightly that there have been some challenges with band members getting access to financial information. However, the member is also very well aware that the minister already has the power to provide that information to band members. In fact, the department could not give us an adequate summary of the scope of the problem.
Once again, what we have is a smoke and mirrors bill that is talking about dealing with accountability and transparency. The government has not identified the scope of the problem. It has not identified other potential solutions. Instead, it is using a process that continues to violate the agreement around duty to consult.