Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think this should be said. Northern people, particularly aboriginal people, it should never be suggested are genetically deficient in regard to those physical requirements that are required for sorting, cutting and polishing diamonds.
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I think people have said you need a lot of patience. I think probably better than any other people in the world, the Inuit, Dene and Metis are known for that. The traditional lifestyle and the culture of our people require a tremendous amount of patience, something that is not seen to be held in great value or in great quantities by the southern wage economy. We also require astute sense of sight, stable hands and keen appreciation for art and for fine lines and other attributes given to small things. These are all things that I think the culture, the
values and the lifestyle of all northern people have always required in great abundance. I know we do have them. There is no basis whatsoever for whatever policy the gentleman seems to have developed in his very short stay here in Canada with us. Thank you.
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