Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I wanted to comment on the conversion, maybe not this specifically, but just in general. Referring back to the illegal surrender of St. Peter's, which was deemed illegal, all that is required to have that land fall into the hands of the crown, in terms of surrendering it, is one vote, and it happens in a snap.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I think given that the provision is under the community approval process, which is set out by the department.... For example, if we had to have 50% plus 1% in a general election, whether it's Manitoba or the federal government, would we have a government in place if we didn't achieve that percentage?

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  We're looking at the illegal surrender of the former St. Peter's Reserve. We've already accepted and have received our financial compensation through TLE. That was last year.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Well, the vote is with respect to the illegal surrender of St. Peter's, and it is a negotiated settlement as far as the loss of use of the former St. Peter's Reserve and compensation provided for that former reserve.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I know there was one issue I dealt with just at the airport in coming here yesterday. We established a date of this upcoming vote, June 13, and we had forwarded all the documentation and information to the department, and we obviously indicated our wishes as to who was to conduct that vote, as far as the contract goes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I guess that comes to mind with respect to that illegal surrender. But on TLE, we have the largest claim in Manitoba's history—166,000 acres of land. I know the commitments that had been put in place by the former Minister Prentice were to have 150,000 acres converted each and every year over the next four years.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Yes, and I think that's what needs to happen in Manitoba. Again, it needs to be the commitment from the region to see these things followed through with, because given the land quantum we have—that 166,000 acres—we'll never see that in 25 years, where that agreement states.... I know just getting 75 acres of land converted...it took Chief Nelson's community 10 years to do 75 acres, yet we're supposed to be getting 166,000 acres.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I wanted to answer his question directly. There are 21 first nations that are part of the TLEC, and in Treaty One there are 5 that have their own TLE agreements. Peguis is one.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I just want to add to the answer. In support of Chief Nelson and Paul Chief, the bottom line is that there has been a failure with respect to the duty to consult and accommodate through this process. We've never been shown that respect, and I don't think the bureaucrats who are dealing with this issue truly understand that duty.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I just wanted to reiterate that when it comes down to third-party interests, that seems to take precedence with respect to having these lands converted to first nations that are under TLE. It boils down, basically, to the commitments of Indian Affairs. I know when we started on this process there were commitments that were put in place by the department, and I guess this may stem from what Paul was saying about the continuity.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I want to comment about this case, because when it comes to the Canada Lands Corporation, that process was developed and formalized after our TLE process was established. On the priority, when you're dealing with these types of lands, they are given a mandate under the Canada Lands Corporation to protect those crown lands for the government.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Via INAC and also through Canada Lands Corporation...because that was established after the TLE process was established, and they're conflicting.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  They certainly play a role in the lands of interest within that process. In the additions to reserve policy there is a process we must follow to obtain clearance on that land. But in this situation it seems that the government has implemented TLE on the one hand to look after the interests and rights as far as our failed obligations are concerned, but on the other hand it's to look after the government--the crown's interest in specific lands.