Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my statement will also focus primarily on the Nunavut Leaders' Summit, hosted this past weekend by my home community of Arviat. You will note that a number of my comments will follow very closely in line with the Premier's statement.
The historical significance of this meeting cannot be overstated. Many respected leaders travelled to Arviat to participate in these important discussions. Some of these visitors include the following: the Honourable Ron Irwin, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs; the Honourable Jack Anawak, MP for Nunatsiaq; the Honourable Don Morin, Premier of the Territories; Mr. Jose Kusugak, president of NTI; Paul Kaludjak, president of the Keewatin Inuit Association; Ms. Blandina Tulugarkjuk from the Baffin Regional Inuit Association; Mr. Charlie Evalik of the Kitikmeot Inuit Association and the commissioners of the Nunavut Implementation Commission. Regrettably, Mr. John Amagoalik was not able to attend due to illness.
Mr. Speaker, our dream of Nunavut is fast becoming reality. After many years of negotiations and three plebiscites, calling for almost unlimited patience on behalf of the people of Nunavut, we are only three years from the creation of this new Territory. The maps of Canada will change for the first time in 50 years to mark this occasion.
Many different decisions have been made and many more challenging decisions lie ahead of us. We were pleased to have the Honourable Ron Irwin present to discuss these issues and concerns, currently facing the leaders of the Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, the summit agenda was lengthy and complex. We were dealing with such issues as the appointment of the interim Commissioner within the next few months, and the appointment of an Electoral Boundary Commissioner this summer. We must also appoint a Statute Revision Commissioner who will commence working on the laws that will govern Nunavut. New deputy ministers and other public servants must be hired to serve Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, a very clear message was heard from the majority of the leaders, primarily the federal government, the GNWT, NTI, the various regional associations and other concerned groups. The message was that we must work very closely together in a genuine spirit of cooperation. We need and deserve this in order to establish a strong and vibrant Nunavut. We must act as partners in this most critical and historic process.
The extremely important issue of recruiting and training bright and talented residents of Nunavut was also addressed.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.