Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to talk about the agreement on the prevention of unregulated fishing in the high season in the central Arctic Ocean.
Mr. Speaker, the High Seas Fisheries Agreement aims to prevent unregulated, unreported commercial fisheries in the central Arctic for an initial period of 16 years, followed by five-year renewals thereafter.
Mr. Speaker, the motivation for this agreement emerges largely from the gradual increase in access to the Arctic regions due to reduced ice coverage, and shared interest in Arctic states protecting fragile ecosystems. This agreement is particularly ground-breaking due to its collaborative nature. The agreement includes five Arctic states, in addition to China, Japan, the European Union, and South Korea. Most importantly, however, Inuit from three countries were represented at the table.
Mr. Speaker, this is an important agreement for Canada and its Indigenous peoples as an unprecedented international agreement that not only considered traditional knowledge, but included Indigenous groups right at the negotiating table.
Mr. Speaker, this agreement shows progress in the recognition of Indigenous rights and the role that Indigenous peoples have in the drive to self-determination at the international level.
Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is a leading jurisdiction of Indigenous rights in Canada. Kudos to the Premier, and I encourage the GNWT to continue working with Indigenous governments. For instance, the GNWT included Indigenous governments at the devolution agreement, and committed to sharing royalty revenues from development projects, et cetera.
Mr. Speaker, however, there is always room for improvement, and I would like to see the GNWT give more authority and control to Indigenous groups in the co-management of all matters that affect their traditions and cultural well-being. For example, I would like to see more involvement in the co-management of caribou, given their migratory nature, and their base cultural importance to many of our peoples.
Mr. Speaker, the High Seas Fisheries Agreement is one amazing example worldwide, and has included Inuit in its decision-making core. Its development is a testament to collaboration and inclusion and a lesson to be learned, and a meaningful participation of Indigenous groups as the current federal budget wants to focus on co-creation with Indigenous leaders and their people in their drive to self-determination. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.