Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier on, I spoke about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and my questions are for the Premier. My first question is: can the Premier advise the House whether he has had any discussions with his Nunavut counterpart or Inuit leaders regarding the Northwest Passage? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Masi. The Honourable Premier.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have spoken publicly that the Arctic needs to be higher on the Government of Canada's agenda. The Government of Nunavut is supportive of this message. I am committed to raising the issue of strengthening Canada's position in the Arctic with Premier Savikataaq of Nunavut and Premier Silver of Yukon when we meet in early June. The geopolitical context of the Arctic is shifting, and I anticipate that recent events, like the statements made by the United States on the Northwest Passage, will be raised and create an interesting discussion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I appreciate the response. Can the Premier advise if he has had any discussions with the Prime Minister on how he plans to involve the Northwest Territories in any discussions moving forward regarding the Northwest Passage?
I had called for a national debate on the future of the Arctic a year ago, but I have not yet had any direct discussions with the Prime Minister on this issue, though I have been clear in my statements in this legislature and publicly that I think that Canada needs to take steps to strengthen its position in the Arctic.
Our forum is always welcome to that. My final question to the Premier is: would the Premier be willing to include a question to party leaders on how they will engage the Government of the Northwest Territories regarding the Northwest Passage should they form government during the next federal election?
All of the major federal political parties should have platform positions on how to strengthen Canada's position in the Arctic. I am working to raise the profile of the Arctic, and will look at many opportunities including letters to the political party leaders to get this issue the attention it deserves in the upcoming federal election. I should point out that, four years ago, we wrote letters to all of the political parties and their leaders, and we had very good, detailed responses to the questions that we raised, so it's certainly a good way to getting attention during the federal elections.
Masi. Oral questions. Member for Hay River North.
