Thank you and thanks for the explanation. I guess I would choose to disagree with this particular approach and I would just ask that the department reconsider that for next year’s budget and business plans.

I have another question related to negotiations and it has to do with the concern that was expressed by the committee when business plans were reviewed relative to community-based negotiations tables. I realize communities have the right to start their own negotiations with the Government of Canada, but I would like to know from the Minister what the position is of the department relative to the costs that are involved with these extra tables. If we end up with 33 communities each having their own agreement negotiated, it’s going to be a huge increase in costs. My position is the federal government ought to be bearing these additional costs, but I would like to know what the department is saying to the federal government at these negotiation tables where we are dealing with community governments. Thank you.