Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. This bill is a very important bill. The type of things this bill is intended to do are already being done, especially taking care of our elders in the communities. This bill will recognize the role of people who are guardians and have the trustee relationship with many of our elders. This is a very important bill.

I am just concerned that this bill might infringe on the rights of the elders. There are many of them who are very independently-minded people and there are a few elders I am aware of in the communities who we feel should come under this kind of help, but they refuse. If they refuse, I hope, under this bill, they will still be able to keep their independence even though some of us in positions of authority -- like leaders and chiefs and so forth -- might think they should have protection.

I hope this bill will allow the protection of their independence, even though some of us may think they may need protection. I just wanted to make sure that the rights of the elders under this bill are protected once it is in force. This is a new bill and once it is implemented, if it is passed, there is still room for amendments if we see that the independence of elders is being infringed upon in the future. Thank you. Mahsi.