Mr. Speaker, the member somewhat makes the argument that many first nations today are exceeding the requirements that are written within the legislation.
The question I have for her is in regard to what the government is actually doing. On the one hand, it seems to recognize that there is some leadership within the first nations that more than exceeds the expectations and yet on the surface it would appear as if the government has not in good faith negotiated or sat down with the first nations leadership prior to introducing the legislation.
It is important for us to note that the leaders of our first nations communities can more than adequately deal with this issue. It is a question of the government having the trust and faith, and sitting down with that first nations leadership and working with them to have better legislation.
Why did the government, prior to the drafting of this bill, not sit down with our first nations leaders and work with them?