Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories' liquor operations in Inuvik is contracted to Stanton Distributing, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Inuvialuit Development Corporation. Mr. Speaker, that means that every Inuvialuit within the Inuvialuit settlement region, inside and outside, are registered shareholders.

The Inuvialuit Development Corporation, in collaboration with Stanton's management, decided not to add the sale of licensed marijuana products to its contract between Stanton and the GNWT. Mr. Speaker, due to borders and customs laws within the United States, entry and exit of anyone associated with distribution of licensed marijuana could possibly be denied entry into the United States. Mr. Speaker, Inuvialuit travel back and forth to our relatives in Alaska and the lower 48. We co-manage in every aspect of conservation to enrich the culture and lifestyles of our harvesters and utilize our Indigenous knowledge, building a knowledge system that improves the quality of livelihoods and culture. I understand that there may be a change in US laws, but the IDC Board still has to evaluate all aspects before any sort of reconsideration to the sale of a licensed product as it affects the IDC Board, the IRC Board, and all staff associated with the licensed facility.

Mr. Speaker, this may provide opportunities within the Beaufort Delta region for the possible sales of cannabis, and, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the engagement between the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Beaufort Delta region and the possibilities that may provide as well as education into legal cannabis. Quyanainni, Mr. Speaker.