Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer some comments and opinions about Bill C-68, the gun control legislation. There have been a lot of eloquent statements made by my colleagues in this House about the events and negotiations leading up to the gun control legislation, which was passed yesterday. I was very dismayed and appalled that Bill C-68 did get passed by the House of Commons yesterday. I believe the amendments to the bill do not go far enough in terms of dealing with the issues raised by people in the north.
Of special concern are issues raised by aboriginal people with respect to their rights to hunt, trap and fish and to use firearms for their livelihood. The other areas are outlined in some of the claim agreements and have to do with the levying of fees for registering and getting certificates and licenses. The two agreements I'm familiar with -- the Inuvialuit final agreement and the Gwich'in settlement agreement -- have statements in them that protect the rights of these people. They should not have to pay for permits, licenses or other authorizations. The gun control bill comes under that.
Also, in terms of the consultation process, the latest committee that went around went to Inuvik, Tsiigehtchic and Fort McPherson. The response the committee received there was very similar to what they heard across the territories: our people were very upset at the short notice and the type of consultation they came to do. I believe the bill has now gone up to the Senate, and we should continue our lobbying efforts as hard as possible. Mahsi.
--- Applause