Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recently I had the opportunity to take part in a historic agreement between Inuit in Canada and the federal government.
Mr. Speaker, these terms of reference reflect the commitment by Inuit and the Crown to identify and take action on shared priorities through partnership. This partnership is based on the Government of Canada's special relationship with Inuit as Indigenous rights holders under the Constitution. Pursuant to this relationship, an Inuit Nunangat, the homeland, approach to policy development is necessary to advance shared priorities. The following permanent, bilateral committee, the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee, is tasked with advancing this relationship and creating prosperity for Inuit, which benefits all Canadians through the development of policy guidance by taking action to advance shared policy priorities and facilitate inter-agency collaboration.
The purpose of an Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee is to create prosperity for Inuit which benefits all Canadians through shared action. It will do so by identifying solutions, providing guidance, and addressing challenges shared by Inuit and the federal government. It is structured to ensure that we create success through a unified approach that is based on partnership and accountability.
The ICPC is outcomes-focused, and its parties are committed to working together in the spirit of cooperation to advance shared priorities. The ICPC will operate on the principles of collaboration, consensus, transparency, fairness, partnership, and inclusion. Members will respect existing Inuit land claim agreements, Indigenous rights, and the human rights confirmed by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Mr. Speaker, as I see the language and cultures thrive across the territory, it is clear there is a core that is unshakable, and we must build on those values for Indigenous people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members' statements. Member for Deh Cho.
