Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to talk about one of the main obstacles we face in the NWT. In my view, it is the most important aspect of our evolving responsibilities following devolution. I'm talking about the need to finalize and implement land claims. Mr. Speaker, advancing land claims is a key priority within the mandate of the 18th Assembly. Yesterday, I questioned the Premier on the progress of ongoing land claims negotiations. I was pleased to hear his assurance that significant concrete progress on these claims will continue to be made during the life of this term.

The land claim process in the NWT is many decades old. One of the first claims successfully concluded in Canada was here in our backyard in the Beaufort Delta. That was in 1984, 33 years ago, Mr. Speaker. These many years later, some other claims have been resolved, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Mr. Speaker, we can't afford this slow pace of progress. Our youth, the next generation that will be seeking self-reliance and opportunity are asking us to bring them certainty. Mr. Speaker, without certainty about land ownership and management, there will be no investment. There will be no exploration or new discoveries. No jobs, training, or benefit agreements.

Existing mines are in their declining years. It's crucial for our economic future that we get our own house in order and attract new investment. These are investments we need for the future of our own economic well-being. To be clear, it's not all about resource development, Mr. Speaker. Certainty on land management is also essential to ensure we have comprehensive measures in place to meet our conservation and preservation goals so that we, Northerners, are leading those discussions and decisions, and not the Government of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, land claims are also about fairness and partnership. We need to make sure that through resolving claims and concrete steps towards self-governance, all our Indigenous neighbours are full, responsible, autonomous participants in the future of this great territory. It's fair, and it's the right thing to do. It necessary for our economic future, and it's about time we resolve this chapter in our history once and for all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.