Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to add my voice to the small chorus of support that has arisen round the Canadian Polar Commission. This federal agency weathered attacks in the media earlier this year, from leaders in the Beaufort/Delta region. They said northerners are most qualified to handle the commission's mandate which is to monitor scientific research affecting polar regions. I think the criticism is short-sighted. The Polar Commission has national and international focus that is hard to match at regional levels. Remember, the word polar does not mean NWT only. The Canadian arctic is only 1 jurisdiction in the circumpolar world, and we have nothing to do with Antarctic research which the commission monitors as well. The Polar Commission costs the Canadian tax payers about 900,000 dollars per year. I think this is money well spent. It benefits all people of the north. It creates a central forum where researchers in communities can address common issues. The recent Iqaluit conference on Arctic pollution is a good example of the bridges the commission can help to build. The commission, by the way, will be releasing their report from that conference on December 9, in Iqaluit. I am told it will contain strong recommendations to the federal government on contaminants policy.
This commission wants to work with northern communities. In the early days of it's mandate, it toured the NWT to build awareness and seek advice on priorities. We also note that Whit Fraser, the chairman, is no stranger to the NWT, he knows the value and values the contributions communities can make to this work. Mr. Speaker, the Polar Commission presents northerners with an opportunity to influence national science policy. I do not think we have ever had that before. We should look upon the agency as a valuable ally, mediator and forum for our issues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.