Mr. Speaker, I have two points. What are the means by which we can effect change? The Member is correct; this committee is the most obvious avenue we have to make our views known very clearly to the Members of this committee in hope that they will recommend some changes to the legislation before handing it back to the Government of Canada. That is the intended purpose of having the hearings.

We also have avenues through our respective Members of Parliament. In this regard, we know that the Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, stated last week in Parliament that she would have reservations about supporting the legislation if it did not respect the aboriginal and treaty rights of people in her constituency. She will support it if it is demonstrated that it does not infringe and impede on the aboriginal rights of the Dene, Inuvialuit and Metis.

The Member for Nunatsiaq, Jack Anawak, has not been so favourable in his opposition. In fact, he seems resigned and sees it as a minor inconvenience.