Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Canada has taken steps to replace its northern strategy with a new Arctic Policy Framework. As part of this work, Mary Simon, former Ambassador to the Arctic Council, and Minister Bennett, Special Representative, developed a new Shared Arctic Leadership Model. In her report, Ms. Simon makes a series of recommendations for action in Canada's Arctic regions, including the Northwest Territories.

I appreciate the recommendations, and I know that they were made after engagement and consultation, but there still seems to be some uncertainty around federal policies relating to northern development. This makes me wonder about the role our government has played to make sure that our priorities are taken into consideration for this Arctic Policy Framework.

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of devolution and respecting our existing comprehensive land rights agreements, as well as those currently being negotiated, the people of the NWT need to be in charge of our own future. We recognize that this will require collaboration and partnerships, and I appreciate the federal government working towards a vision for the Arctic. However, we cannot let Canada develop broad policies that affect us without ensuring that the priorities of our people are fully considered. The Premier has been clear on this message, and I agree with that position.

Mr. Speaker, climate change is changing Arctic lands and waters irreversibly. Commercial shipping is becoming a reality through the Northwest Passage. Our own Arctic communities are being visited by cruise ships. We have just completed the first road linking to the Arctic Ocean. Other nations, including China, Russia, and the United States, are all planning to have a major presence in the Arctic.

What is our government doing to guarantee that our needs are met in the development of Canada's Arctic Policy Framework? Has the GNWT, in fact, even determined our needs and priorities with respect to the new framework? Are Indigenous governments in the NWT able to have their say?

Mr. Speaker, now is the time to effect change and address many of our pressing challenges. It is essential for our government to step up and demonstrate strong leadership when it comes to the Arctic Policy Framework. Mr. Speaker, I will have questions for the Premier at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.