Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is directed to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. The Government Leader has indicated that Mr. Kakfwi will be absent on March 3rd and 4th to attend the conference of provincial/territorial Ministers responsible for aboriginal affairs. I do not know what is on the agenda. A storm has arisen in Toronto at the constitutional conference about the request that aboriginal people should be recognized as forming a distinct society within the constitutional framework which divides Canada.
The National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations has rightly and properly indicated that Canada's native people cannot accept Quebec, being constituted as a distinct society as long as it does not recognize that we do too. Apparently, some of the provincial leaders in Quebec are regrettably unable to accept this position.
Will the Minister indicate to this House today, as the Northwest Territories Minister of Aboriginal and Intergovernmental Affairs, whether or not he supports the legitimate request of native Canadians to be recognized as a distinct society within the Constitution of Canada? Thank you.