Mr. Speaker, I recently had the privilege of travelling to Washington, D.C., with all of Canada's Premiers, an historic first that underscored our united Team Canada approach to strengthening relationships with the United States.
Canada's Premiers went to Washington to help American political and business leaders, and the American public, understand the negative economic consequences of the tariffs being proposed by the United States government. Tariffs would not only affect Canadians; they would also have direct and negative repercussions for American businesses, workers and consumers.

During our meetings with key members of Congress, the Senate, and senior White House officials, we delivered the unified message that a strong Canada-U.S. partnership is essential to addressing shared challenges. Collaboration, not protectionism, is the path to economic growth, energy security, effective border management, and secure critical mineral supply chains.

While the Northwest Territories is not as reliant on U.S. markets as many of our provincial counterparts, we are not immune to the ripple effects of these tariffs. We could see increased costs for goods that would impact all residents, businesses and governments in the NWT, and a changing investment climate could impact our economy. Our government will closely monitor any developments and work with our federal counterparts to address them.

Mr. Speaker, this trip was about much more than trade. It was about ensuring that the North is seen, heard, and understood. The Arctic and the North play an essential role in Canada's future, and Northerners themselves assert our country's sovereignty every day. By living and working here, stewarding the land and building the foundations of a thriving, sustainable economy, we show the world that the North is a vibrant part of our national identity.
Our presence is not passive; it is an active demonstration of sovereignty that demands meaningful investments in infrastructure, security, and economic development.

One message I shared in Washington was that, while the North is not for sale, it is a land of opportunity, and we welcome partnerships that respect our land and support our people. To take advantage of these opportunities, Canada must invest in the North, not only for the benefit of Northerners but for the security and economic prosperity of the entire country. Nation-building infrastructure, energy initiatives, and critical mineral development are national priorities that can reinforce our sovereignty and strengthen our economy. We will continue to seek and support the investments that sustain our communities and bolster our role within Canada.

While in Washington, I met with representatives from Alaska, Denmark, and Greenland to discuss Arctic security, economic development, and climate change, and to build relationships. As global interest in the Arctic grows, these relationships become ever more critical. With shifting geopolitical dynamics, the importance of a strong, resilient, and sustainable North has never been more clear.

Mr. Speaker, Canada's Premiers recognize that while we must address today's challenges, we must also unlock tomorrow's opportunities. The conversations we had in Washington, and the relationships we are building, all serve this larger effort. At the same time, federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working to bolster Canada's economic resilience by breaking down our own internal trade barriers and looking to new markets. By combining these efforts with investments in nation building infrastructure, we can assert Canada's place as a global, economic leader.

The Government of the Northwest Territories will keep working with our partners to realize the North's economic potential, support our communities, and strengthen our place in Canada for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.