While we have him here, and I know you’re in a rush, and I apologize for being late, but welcome.

I have a broad question, and it’s with some breadth, but I want to get into a little bit of depth on it, so the question is for you, Minister Miller.

Bill C-45 furthers economic reconciliation going hand in hand with rights recognition, economic and social equity rights included under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, also referred to as UNDRIP. Can you please speak a little bit about how you envision economic reconciliation proceeding in Canada in the years ahead, going together with UNDRIP, and there are particularly exciting aspects for all of us, such as critical minerals for mission net zero?

Can you comment on that but also speak to the links between Bill C-45 restoring self-determination, including trade and commerce, and how in the process it will benefit not just Indigenous peoples but lead to shared opportunities and benefits for the entire country?

Welcome and congratulations to everyone on this panel for your vision and hard work that has led First Nations in Canada to this vital legislation for economic reconciliation.

My question is for Mr. Calla. You have previously stated:

. . . A huge part of this success lies in the FMA’s optionality for first nations that choose, on an individual basis by band council resolution, to be scheduled to the act. There are no financial enticements to do so, just an individual nation’s desire to have good financial management that is recognized to meet international standards, to be able to borrow from the First Nations Finance Authority or to levy local revenues to fund first nations government services.

Towards that end close to 350 First Nations have chosen through band council resolution to be scheduled to the act and to participate therein. Together they constitute over 60% of the First Nations that are part of the Indian Act.

Can you please elaborate on how the feature of opt in contributed to trust and relationship building ensuring the bill’s success in building its positive momentum for economic reconciliation?

I do have a second question if there is time.

My question is about the First Nations Infrastructure Institute. I understand this Centre of Excellence in Infrastructure planning will not be limited to First Nations, but also open to Inuit and Métis requests for advice on infrastructure projects. Could you tell us more about how it will work in practical terms and the value that it will bring to diverse Indigenous communities across Canada?