Mr. Speaker, there is a question from some Members as to whether we did proper consultation as a government. I wonder whether this is the type of bill that you would really consider taking to aboriginal groups for consideration before second reading, because it is something that is almost compelled to us by the Charter of Rights. We really have no option but to put this forward, as some Members have said.
However, we should keep in mind that as aboriginals, we do have people representing us. I am not the speaker for the Inuvialuit. I have people who speak for my group. They will have the opportunity through the consultation process that is to follow through the standing committee to make their views known as to whether the Inuvialuit really support this concept of adoption by same-sex couples.
I know that in my land claims, there is a clause there that says this government cannot make a law of this nature without consultation with us. So I expect that there is going to be consultation. I also know that in the existing Adoption Act, there are requirements that people who are involved in the authorities of adoption take into consideration the ethnic origin of the child when adoption is being requested or being put forward.
I presume that my groups will make it known whether or not they think that aboriginals such as us should be adopted by same-sex couples, or our children from us. I assume my aboriginal group will put their position known on this. I do know that in the legislation that governs adoption, like the Member for North Slave says, the best interest of the child is taken into consideration. If the best interest of the child is to be taken into consideration, I would hope that this type of legislation would state whether or not the ethnic origin of the child would have to be taken into consideration when same-sex couple adoption is being considered. I think that type of legislation would allow for this thing to proceed without interfering with anybody's rights under the Charter.
I am not a lawyer, the same as my colleague from North Slave said, but on the other hand, I believe there are ways to compromise around this and still allow people their rights under the Charter. I am not being forced by anyone to support this thing. I think people have to realize we live in Canada and we have a law that we have to abide by. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause