The Deputy Speaker R.J. Simpson

Recognition of visitors in the gallery. I want to welcome everyone who joined us today. It's always great to see people participating, or at least observing our democracy in action, and I want to welcome everyone who is watching online, on satellite in the Northwest Territories and around the world. Item 6, acknowledgments. Item 7, oral questions. Member for Nunakput

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier I made a statement about sovereignty in the Arctic, and the Premier's sessional statement reflected a lot of what we're trying to focus on, especially in our Arctic region, where there is a lack of infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Can the Premier update the House on any discussions he's had with the federal government on Arctic sovereignty? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Premier.

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member has raised and I spoke to in my statement, Canada needs to take action in the Arctic, and our governments and people lead this dialogue. The best way for Canada to show its commitment to its Arctic is through significant investment in its people, economies, science, and infrastructure. I have been clear to the federal government about the need for this investment. I have been clear that northern voices need to be heard. I have also specifically spoken to the need for investment in support of the safety and security of our borders and people.

I am pleased to say that we've had some positive signals from Canada in this area, in particular related to investments and infrastructure and cleaner and more affordable energy for the territory, and in the development and moving forward with Bill C-88 and negotiations related to the offshore.

There's also been the creation of an Arctic region for the Coast Guard. However, as I made clear in my statement today, there is need to do much more.

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

It's good to hear that from the Premier, and that the Government of the Northwest Territories is working with the federal counterparts. We talk about climate change a lot, and I know I have during this Assembly in the last three-and-a-half years, but one of the things is infrastructure and action by our federal counterparts. My second question is: has the government of the Northwest Territories partnered with any of our Indigenous governments on efforts to promote sovereignty in the Arctic regions?

Bob McLeod Yellowknife South

As the Member noted in his statement, the Arctic has been home to Indigenous people long before it was ever traversed by European explorers. The people of the Canadian Arctic are Canada's Arctic sovereignty. Therefore, the work of Indigenous governments and the Government of the Northwest Territories is supporting sovereignty on a daily basis. By working to keep the Indigenous cultures and languages of the territory vibrant, we are demonstrating sovereignty. We also demonstrate sovereignty by work to strengthen communities, build wellness, and create opportunities for prosperity. As the climatic and geopolitical realities in the Arctic continue to shift, it is the federal government that now must step up to the plate and work with the people of the Northwest Territories.

The Deputy Speaker R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Nunakput.

Herbert Nakimayak Nunakput

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have much more. I appreciate the response from the Premier. I am afraid. Earlier in my Member's statement, with the announcement of countries like the United States calling on China and Russia, it opens up the doors as the start of a race, so that is one of the things that concerns me, and I think it needs for us to work together. So, Mr. Speaker, my final question is: would the Premier be willing to tour my riding with representatives possibly from the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation as well as with the MP of the Northwest Territories?

The Deputy Speaker R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Oral questions. Member for Mackenzie Delta.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In follow-up to my Member's statement, I have a few questions for the Minister of Infrastructure. I would like to ask the Minister: have all the inspections been done on both ferries to ensure they can be launched as soon as possible? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker R.J. Simpson

Thank you. Minister of Infrastructure.

Wally Schumann Hay River South

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The staff are out there working and doing their due diligence. I would have to get back to the Member on the exact timing that Transport Canada will be in there to do their stuff, but, from my indication, what I have gotten from the department so far is that we are on schedule to have both the Louis Cardinal and Abraham Francis ferries in the water and operational by next week.

Frederick Blake Jr. Mackenzie Delta

These inspections have never been an issue in the past. Is it because of increased changes to the inspections, or what is causing the delays of those inspections?