Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in February I announced to this Assembly that the Northwest Territories had assumed its term as Chair of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). The Council is the main intergovernmental forum in Canada under which federal, provincial and territorial environment departments work together to address national and international environmental issues.

Earlier this month in Inuvik, I had the privilege of chairing a meeting of this Council. The meeting was significant for two reasons. For the first time, the Council of Environment Ministers met with leaders of national and regional aboriginal groups. The purpose of this session was to open dialogue and explore better ways for the council to work cooperatively with aboriginal people for a more effective environmental management system in Canada.

Aboriginal leaders from the Assembly of First Nations, the Inuit Tapirisat of Canada, the Metis National Council, the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation and the Gwich'in Tribal Council all participated in the discussions. As a result, a ministerial committee has been struck to work with these aboriginal leaders in order to prepare principles that will guide greater aboriginal involvement. This meeting represents the first time the Environment Ministers have met as a Council in the Northwest Territories. As chair of the meeting, it was my privilege to be able to introduce my federal and provincial colleagues to the cultural and ecological uniqueness of the Mackenzie Delta region, as well as our distinct northern perspective and approach to environmental management. As host, I was proud of community members for the open and warm welcome Ministers and delegates received. I am confident that they have gone home with a new perspective of the north. Many people are responsible for the success of this meeting and I would like to thank all those who assisted in organizing this event. Mahsi cho.

--Applause