Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier, my statement was on Arctic sovereignty, and I have questions for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my Member's statement, I am concerned that the Canadian Arctic Policy is dragging and that it may have negative effects on our Arctic regions. Apart from the engagement with the federal government, Mr. Speaker, what government partners in Canada and abroad does the GNWT work with to advance its Arctic Policy positions? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. The Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories participates on the Canadian delegation to the Arctic Council, which provides the opportunity to work on issues of importance with the federal government, the Indigenous permanent participants, as well as other international partners. Through the Arctic Council we share our priorities with other governments in the Circumpolar North, and also learn from best practices in other jurisdictions.
The Government of the Northwest Territories also regularly participates in the Arctic Circle Assembly. Participation in this forum has allowed us to both increase awareness of our territory and policy positions and build on our network of contacts with other nations and subnational governments on an east-west basis, as well as a north-south basis. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It's good to hear that the GNWT is involved in activities outside the Northwest Territories, especially the Arctic Circle, which is a very important arena for development in the Arctic. Some policy specialists have also highlighted our infrastructure limitations, for example, limited airport capacity and the lack of deep-water ports. How does the Premier and his government address these types of infrastructure issues when engaging with the federal government on Arctic sovereignty?
When we attend these different international meetings, we learn very soon how the Arctic in some Arctic countries drives their economy and how their federal governments are investing heavily in large infrastructure. It's the same here, where we need more investment and improved transportation, energy, and communications infrastructure, because we know it's essential for the growth and prosperity of Northwest Territories communities. This is also how we support Canada's work on Arctic sovereignty. As a result, much of our engagement with the federal government has focused on improving key infrastructure that will benefit communities and grow our economy. An example of cooperation in this area is that the federal government has supported this recently with funding to construct four double-hulled barges.
I appreciate the response from the Premier. For many years the GNWT has maintained a policy on the application of traditional knowledge in the planning and delivery of its programs and services. My question is: can the Premier give us some background on how this policy is applied in the GNWT's work on Arctic sovereignty and policy planning?
The Government of the Northwest Territories has had a Traditional Knowledge Policy in place for well over 25 years, and as with any work of the Government of the Northwest Territories, traditional knowledge is considered in work related to Arctic policy. It is a priority in particular of the permanent participants of the Arctic Council. The Government of the Northwest Territories engages and supports Canada in this work. The Government of the Northwest Territories' knowledge agenda recognizes the importance of incorporating traditional knowledge into NWT-based research programs. This is important when working with international scientists working in the Northwest Territories. When Canada was chair of the Arctic Council from 2013 to 2015, the Northwest Territories contributed significantly to a circumpolar project dedicated to promoting Indigenous traditional knowledge and traditional ways of life. This work led to an Arctic Circle compendium of best practices.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Yellowknife Centre.
