Members of the committee expressed discontent with progress made at the negotiation tables. The committee was informed that other parties often hinder progress and negotiations may stop for long periods of time. Further, the ministry has difficulty obtaining skilled staff to fill vacant negotiator positions. The committee notes that while the ministry is requesting additional positions, it also endorses the secondment of some of its staff to other governments, departments, or organizations. Positions that are identified, but are not filled, will result in lapsed funding. The Minister agreed and explained that this is the last increase in positions for Aboriginal Affairs and decreases in the number of positions will become the norm as more tables reach their conclusion.
The Minister supplied an overview of the status of each negotiating table and offered to provide a more detailed briefing to the committee.