Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to address the government's new protected area strategy.
All northerners recognize that we live in a unique part of the world. While many see the arctic as barren and empty, we, who live here, know that appearances can be deceiving. The land has been a fruitful source of life for northern peoples for centuries. Those of us who have lived here for any length of time still recognize the bounty of flora and fauna in the north.
We also recognize that there is great wealth beneath the surface of the land. Most of those who have come to this north over the last 70 years have come either directly or indirectly because of gold, lead, zinc, uranium, oil, gas and now, diamonds that lie beneath the arctic.
Balancing the fragile surface environment with the economic needs and resources below it is an ongoing responsibility. We need both but one must not be allowed to destroy or preclude the other. I appreciate what the government is trying to do with its protected area strategy, we do need to protect our land and our environment to ensure that it is viable for millennia to come. Those who have lived here for generations have much to teach us about, and respect for, the land. But we must also have respect for those interests of those who have invested much time, money and effort into finding and developing the riches that lie beneath the surface.
That is why I am concerned that the government does not appear to have properly allowed for consultation with the mining industry regarding this strategy. I am not saying that we should not protect areas, but I am saying it is wrong to proceed with an initiative such as this without extensive consultation with all stakeholders, not just the federal government, Aboriginal organizations and environmental organizations. The mining industry, as well, should be included as a key participant in the development and implementation of this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.