Hon. Serge Joyal (Secretary of State): Mr. Speaker, the Hon. Member's phrasing is a little subjective. The main reason for the delay is, basically, the fact that over the past year, many provincial and national associations have had to cope with various changes including a large number of new associations. With a view to establishing objective criteria that, in the fact of such problems, would be used in acknowledging these associations, we have tried to reach a consensus and an agreement with representatives of the major associations.
  Next week I shall be meeting with representatives of the Métis, in an attempt to seek a solution to this problem. As soon as we have reached a consensus, payments will be made in the manner agreed upon with the organizations.

Mr. Cyril Keeper (Winnipeg-St. James): Mr. Speaker, the Government changed the funding policy for native organizations. When it does that, it has to accept the responsibility to see that that policy works. That funding is still a month overdue. When is the Government going to sit down with native leaders in order to make that policy work, or does the Liberal Party only care about native people when it is thinking about votes?