Mr. Speaker, we keep hearing the same old story. What more can we say except that we must assess the process that led to the preparation of the bill and its introduction?
For decades, first nations across the country have been asking for control over their own education system on reserve.
I cannot say it enough: it is very important and urgent that we provide the chiefs and band councils in the country with a legal framework that will enable them to provide first nations' children with an education system that produces results. That is what is driving the government's efforts.
We have been working in concert with the first nations since 1971. For the first time, a government wants to take action on the Assembly of First Nations agreement.
I am simply asking the hon. member that we hurry up and send this to committee so that we can pass this bill that will benefit the first nations.