Mr. Speaker, why doesn't our land have a name that we can call our own? When I first got into office, it was under the premise that I would be striving for a new North, a prosperous North, a united North, a North that would be leading not only Canada but also the world in many areas. This can and must be initiated by a new image and a new name, a re-branding.
What is in a name? For most cultures, including aboriginals, a name symbolizes more than just an identification of a point on a map. It tells a story of our present and, most importantly, the past of the lands and its peoples. It conjures memories and continues traditions, cultures and legacies. This is why every community in the Northwest Territories has either changed their name or have discussed the possibility. I believe, Mr. Speaker, it is about time our territory has done it as well.
As this jurisdiction becomes closer and closer to devolution, discussions with the Territories, name change becomes more and more important. Through these discussions, the unification of the region and the people can be strengthened. The Northwest Territories is a name from a long ago colonial past. Today people inhabiting these lands are much more than just a territory in a northwest location. We are a unique and dynamic people, multi-cultural communities. We have a distinctive past and an even more unique future.
It is time we begin to hear the call of a new North, a North that is stronger and more prosperous and liberated from the paternalistic policies of the past, said the Prime Minister during his most recent visit to our territory. According to our very honoured Senator as well, during the discussion with the Quebec Senator, Pierre Debane, the name of our territory exemplifies our paternal relationship to Ottawa. We are only northwest from the view of a south central Canada.
Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.