Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. Honourable members of this committee, the facts are abundantly clear. The plan forward is clear, and so too is the imperative to act. We all have the responsibility and power to act. I'm very proud of the work we've done--the first nations leaders--to advance detailed plans, to initiate dialogue with governments across this country, and to forge the path ahead despite our many obstacles.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I just have the one page, Mr. Chair.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Honourable members of the standing committee, as you see, I've brought with me a great deal of evidence today, evidence, ladies and gentlemen, that will prove the facts regarding Kelowna. I've watched the proceedings of this committee closely, and I'm happy to be here to once and for all answer every question that may be asked about what happened at Kelowna a year ago.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Perhaps I may be permitted to have the final word on this. We're encouraged by your closing comments that there is in fact a willingness, a goodwill on the part of this committee to support the accord; that you agree with the plan; and that you see it in the same way as we do--that it's a reasonable plan and the best opportunity we have right now to fix something that's broken.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Our understanding, Mr. Chairman, is pretty clear. It was a process that was before the country. The process spoke to Canadians. The commitments achieved at the first ministers meeting were presented to the country. It was an agreement that was endorsed by 14 jurisdictions and five aboriginal organizations.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Mr. Chairman, I believe--and I'm sure most of the people I represent would agree--that money isn't the only issue, but it is one important element. Process is also an important consideration. Structure is also an important consideration. By structure I mean, for example, institutional development that gives true expression to first nation governments, whether we're talking about a public institution responsible for housing or new governance structures for the delivery of first nations education to our students.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  At the moment it's a process that is acceptable to us. But now we are hearing rumours that cuts will be introduced for first nations educational programs and services. If in fact that is true, then the consultative process on this issue is not acceptable. It becomes a sham exercise, and I am certain Minister Prentice would not find it acceptable either.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Mr. Chairman, consultation has always been a major issue. It has always been pretty difficult to fashion a process where there is meaningful consultation and, most importantly for us, where, at the end of a consultative process, whatever report results from that process and the recommendations from that report are given effect.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Mr. Chair, of course we would like to see the full support of the House to move forward on our plan. As I pointed out to the committee, this is a reasonable plan. It's achievable; it's doable. It's about the eradication of mass poverty in our communities. It's designed to address the housing crisis, education, health, and economic opportunities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I'll try to make my answers a little briefer.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I was just getting carried away with my own story.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you. Mr. Chairman, we believe that the single most important social justice issue facing Canada is the poverty that plagues our people. We've understood this. We've lived it, and we know what poverty does to a people. We've been determined to engage governments, all governments, in a plan that would eradicate poverty in our communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  As parliamentarians, you have an important duty to uphold the honour of the Crown. You must be satisfied that government proposals and policies are consistent with section 35 of the Constitution Act. I would also ask you to consider whether what you hear meets the Auditor General's seven critical success factors.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. On behalf of the Assembly of First Nations, I thank you, the chair, and the members of this committee for the invitation to be here this afternoon. As you all know, the Assembly of First Nations is the national first nations organization, representing over 630 first nation governments and communities.