Mahsi, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, as the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs my responsibility is to be aware of the treaty and aboriginal rights and see that they are protected for aboriginal people. Whenever there is an initiative by an aboriginal First Nation organization in dealing with their rights, we respect that and we view those sort of discussions should really be with the First Nations and the federal government wherever there is a dispute in this regard.
As for my role in this government in regard to policies and regulations that are being put forward by the different departments that are viewed by aboriginal people as infringing on their treaty and aboriginal rights, we feel that has to be looked at in the area. The members of the Cabinet are aware of it. I think when the different Ministers participate with their counterparts, there are fiduciary responsibilities of the federal government towards aboriginal people. It is always mentioned. As my colleagues are aware of that and during the discussions internally in regard to putting legislation forward, there are usually some of our officials that participate internally in these discussions and Aboriginal Affairs is involved in all the areas that affects the aboriginal people.
We have officials, mainly the deputy minister plays a key role in that area, when they deal with his counterparts in regard to development of policy and legislation. There is a real need to look at these grey areas that exist between this government and aboriginal people. I think earlier on in our term we were able to meet with the aboriginal leaders and sit down. We have had a mean number of meetings, even the Premier and I have been able to sit down with the Aboriginal Summit leaders whenever they meet. We have general discussion on areas of mutual concern. That is a good forum to address the concerns that you mentioned today. I think there are a number of initiatives I could say that I have done to ensure that aboriginal rights and concerns that come from aboriginal people are taken seriously in consideration by this government. Thank you.