Madam Speaker, I'm not certain that we are the only one, but I know the Northwest Territories is one of the few, if any, in Canada that recognizes custom adoption as one that is a valid act between consenting adults that involves the rights and well-being of children. It is recognized here. Whether or not it is in other jurisdictions, I'm not certain. I should point out to the Member as well, that, where before it was the courts that decided whether a custom adoption had in fact taken place, we are now, through the process, allowing people at the community level to say that, in their eyes, it had taken place.

One of the major criticisms of aboriginal people in the past has been that the courts should not have to validate what takes place through customs and traditions. We have placed the authority as close to the community as possible through this legislation. Thank you.