Thank you, Mr. Speaker. GNWT strategies for federal engagements. I want to discuss today the Northwest Territories economic strategy and preparedness.
Mr. Speaker, in February, the Premier announced the new position of senior envoy to the Government of Canada with a presence in both Yellowknife and Ottawa. I believe this position will strengthen our engagements and relationships, but there must be clear objectives.
Mr. Speaker, there's no question that the Government of the Northwest Territories needs and depends largely on federal funding to advance its infrastructure agenda. We have heard that the federal Arctic foreign policy would lead to increased defence spending and access to capital. The Premier recently called for strategic investment writing in the media that the territory is key to securing Canada's critical minerals future and that the federal government needs to ensure northern development is a national priority. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT should use this envoy position to effectively engage the federal government in an aggressive way.
We must also strengthen position, relationships, on federal engagements on staffing and conventions to access funds for sovereignty, Arctic security, NATO defence obligations, while developing the potential of our critical minerals' potential and reducing the cost of living.
Mr. Speaker, the country's resources and security are in the global spotlight right now. It is time to ensure sustainable economic growth and strengthen Arctic sovereignty, but we also need a clear picture in this Assembly of how we will do that going forward. I cannot emphasize enough the crucial developments of building relationships with our federal counterparts particularly during the tariff calamity. Later I will have questions for bthe Premier. Mahsi.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu. Members' statements. Member from Deh Cho.
