It will still force them to register their firearms and be licensed to purchase a firearm.
The effect of the new clause in the bill is unclear. Aboriginal people who are charged may be able to use this clause to defend themselves, but they will have to rely on an expensive and time-consuming and frustrating court process to do so. Federal Crown prosecutors will be fighting to uphold Bill C-68, we can be sure. The only people who will profit from this clause will be defence lawyers, Crown prosecutors and judges. This non-derogation clause will not give the Inuit the clear protection and complete exemption from the application of the bill which they want and deserve.
Mr. Speaker, I want to say as clearly as I can to my constituents, don't let anyone fool you into thinking that the Inuit land claim agreement will protect you from the effects of this invasive law. Don't be misled into thinking that a new clause in the bill paying lip service to aboriginal and treaty rights will protect you from this invasive law, either.
This bill is no good for us. It won't work; it won't be respected; it will be a colossal waste of money much better spent on community justice priorities, including more police officers. These feeble amendments have not dealt with the fundamental problems we face with this bill in the north. Qujannamiik, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause