Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In the entire review of the regulatory system, particularly in the NWT, and in the round table discussion that I held with all of the people including indigenous groups, this recommendation seemed to be justified. It clearly has been misinterpreted as meaning an attempt to reduce

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for that question and for framing it the way you did. You are absolutely correct. The notion of the land use plans had to be primarily the first job done by the government. Once that was complete, then something had to be done with the regional boards. That was my view.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you for the comment on my report. Until about a week ago, I had not heard of C-88. This was new to me. I have not kept up-to-date on what's going on in the north since I did this report some 11 or 12 years ago, beyond what I mentioned about having appeared before committee

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm not sure I agree with you that everybody was in disagreement. As I indicated in my opening remarks, at the round table discussion it was pretty clear in what area the recommendations would be at the end of it. Nobody objected. I spent some time, as I mentioned, with some of t

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  No, there was just what I've said today. My discussions—

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  All I've said is that what I was talking about at the round table and what came out at the round table was discussed with some of the leaders, and they thought these were reasonable recommendations. That's all I can say with respect to that. With respect to the constitutional i

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  First of all, thank you very much, honourable member, for that question. The answer to the first part of your question is, no, I did not receive any instruction or any advice from Minister Strahl. I should say, just to be clear, that I was actually appointed to do this by Minist

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  First of all, it did not come from Minister Strahl. As I say, it may have fallen out of the round table discussion; it may have come out of my mind. I don't know, but it certainly did not come from any instruction from the government. Secondly, with respect to what my experience

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. I'll just leave it where it is. Probably in the course of the questions this will come out in any event.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you very much, Vice-Chair McLeod. First of all, thank you for the opportunity to participate. It's an honour to be asked to appear before one of your committees or one of the Senate committees. I hope that I can add something to the debate that is currently ongoing with r