Mr. Speaker, over the last number of years there have been several initiatives to have the voice of the Northwest Territories, on behalf of its people, be heard. The former Government Leader had endeavoured to have this relationship considered on a discussion paper. In October, 1991, the Department of National Defence responded to the discussion paper, which we did send in, regarding the ongoing negotiations to determine measures which can contribute to world peace. They said it did not include the establishment of a circumpolar zone of peace and security. The federal government considers cruise missile testing and low level training missions in the north as an important contribution to NATO's defence capabilities.
Canadian Armed Forces will continue to maintain considerable air and sub-surface surveillance to reinforce Canadian sovereignty in the north. National Defence is committed to working with the Government of the Northwest Territories respecting its military activities in the Northwest Territories and has established a new directorate in Ottawa to assess the environmental, economic, social and community relations impact of defence activities. Changing the national/international circumstances are contributing to an ongoing review of the Canadian military's mandate and future direction. As Minister Campbell's recent announcement demonstrates, this review produces decisions even though United States administration has only been in office for a few weeks. A letter has been sent, Mr. Speaker, to the Minister of Defence Campbell expressing the Government of the Northwest Territories' concern about the absence of advanced consultation on recent cruise missile testing missions and notification of the decision to renew the agreement. Mr. Speaker, we were not consulted. Thank you.