Mr. Speaker, a renewed nation-to-nation relationship with indigenous peoples based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership is a top priority for our government.
The British Columbia Supreme Court released its decision on April 19, 2018, a decision that brings some helpful clarification to the scope and nature of the rights of the five Nuu-chah-nulth nations. This is an important decision for both parties.
Our government remains committed to the consultation and negotiation process and to implementing the rights of the five Nuu-chah-nulth first nations. At the request of the five Nuu-chah-nulth first nations, a new negotiation process was launched in March 2017. Through this process, the five first nations and federal officials have completed a framework agreement that will guide the negotiation of a reconciliation agreement.
These reconciliation negotiations are without prejudice and are intended to assist the parties in more freely presenting their interests and exploring potential solutions. The matters that are the subject of negotiations are inherently complex, but I can assure that this government continues to be committed to working with the first nations through the current consultations and negotiation process to accommodate and implement their rights.