Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In regards to some of the discussion, and the suggestion of the Members accepting the principles or the recommendations that are being put forth in this report.
I have stated some concerns yesterday as a Member, and I am still trying to get a copy of unedited transcript to see the Ministers point of privilege that he brought forth in the House today, and compare it to the media's report. However, Mr. Chairman, I am somewhat concerned that there are still some questions and some concerns, and a number of questions that have not been put forth in respect to this whole issue.
I believe that it is the intent of the Members to fully support the principle of the accord, and we are not arguing that, in regard to us bringing forth our concerns on some of the details and legal text, or concerns in regard to some of the details of the accord.
There appears that these type of questions are not being answered. That we are being told, basically, that we should endorse the accord. I recognize that we did gain a lot in respect to the accord, but out of common courtesy, the Chairman of the committee, of this Constitutional Committee, should at least have the courtesy to answer our concerns and not expect us to outright endorse this and vote in favour of his recommendations.
Mr. Chairman, I have quite a few questions. I think maybe since we are going to be here until 7:00 p.m., and we agreed to take two days to bring forth this item, as an item of business in the House, I will continue to bring forth my questions and concerns.
I want to ask the Chairman of the committee, that whereas the accord states that all aboriginal people of Canada should have equitable access to the process of negotiations, and the Supreme Court of Canada has stated in mid August that the Native Women's Association of Canada, has been unconstitutionally excluded from the multilateral meetings, and no immediate provision has been made to include the Native Women's Association of Canada in the final negotiations of the Charlottetown Accord, can he advise me as to what assurances can he give to aboriginal women that their existing constitutional rights to represent themselves in negotiations will be put into immediate action?
I do not want him to just basically fall under the Charter and the Constitution of Canada, under section 35, because under that particular section, it indicates where gender equality can come in, and I mean this government has been far from trying to achieve gender equality.
I would like to ask the Chairman that particular question, please, Mr. Chairman.