Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  If I may, Mr. Chair, very briefly, in the last few years we actually have moved away from requiring surrender of rights in our treaties or agreements. I do admit that this is not well-known across the country, and it will be important to continue to communicate this to all nations.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  In 2019, in British Columbia, there was a policy that was adopted, the recognition and reconciliation of rights policy, which actually replaced the comprehensive claims policy for B.C. We are prepared to do the same across the country. There was an action plan measure number 23, under the UNDA, where the government actually committed to work on codeveloping a public statement stating what the current policies are and to replace the comprehensive claims policy and inherent right policy with that new statement.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Perhaps I can add to that. In drafting, we usually include a definition in a bill when a word or an expression is used several times. Here it's just used once. The definition is actually in clause 8 itself.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'm happy to provide a few comments about that. Indeed, individuals have the ability to choose. They cannot be imposed on to be represented by any given group or body. However, they have to meet the criteria and have a connection with a historical Métis community. It's not just a free choice.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The letter I sent to President Lamouche was to inform him of this and provide him information. Again, this is not an attempt to delineate Métis per se. This legislation and the agreements that we entered into with MNA, MNO and MN-S do not affect the Metis Settlements General Council.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  What we have entered into so far are agreements that are binding on the parties only. In that context, our analysis was that there was no need to consult. The next step will be to enter into treaties with our partners, MNA, MNO and MN-S. At that point, we will consider again who should be consulted.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Schintz. I would like to add, Mr. Chair, that indeed, as indicated, we have been working with the Métis Nation of Alberta and other Métis governments referred to by this government and have listened to how they want to proceed. We are also at the table in discussions with the Metis Settlements General Council, and this department is not ignoring their wishes.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I will answer that question. When we discuss the self-determination vision of partners, we discuss it with these specific partners. It's only once we have agreed on a path forward that we ask ourselves whether there's a need to engage or consult with third parties. In the context of the agreements that were entered into in February, these are agreements and not treaties at this time.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, I'd like to add that, with respect to the concern that this might be too broad, the term is also characterized by the fact that it says “that is authorized to act on behalf of the Métis collectivity”. The indigenous governing body is the concept that allows this provision to say that the Métis government is able to act as the government on behalf of the Métis collectivity.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  The last one that would have been approved was more than 10 years ago.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I would say the same. Nothing in this bill, in and of itself, would have an impact on the rights of other groups.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  What's important is that this is the way these Métis groups are describing themselves. They describe themselves as “Métis collectivities”, so in our negotiations with them, we respect that. I think it's in line with the United Nations declaration on aboriginal people. Therefore, this is a term that is being used, and I think it's important to respect this word in the context of a bill that is designed to implement their treaties.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I referred to the treaties that we'll be entering into.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Maybe I'll answer. The relationship with our indigenous partners in general is an ongoing relationship, and the treaties that we enter into are living documents. We cannot determine in advance what will be negotiated in the future. What we know at the moment, based on discussion with our partners, is that the next step is to negotiate a treaty on core governance on the basis of the agreements that have been entered into and are available to review now.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I will ask Mr. Schintz to answer that question.