Mr. Speaker,
I am excited to share that Nunavut is the chair of the Northern Premiers’ Forum for 2024.
The forum was established in 2003. The chair is assumed on a rotational basis between Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
I thank the former Premier of the Northwest Territories Caroline Cochrane for her role as chairperson in 2023. I welcome the new premier, R.J. Simpson to the table.
The forum is an excellent opportunity to work together to ensure that our unique and shared northern needs can be brought forward effectively. A united voice is a powerful tool to express the realities of Canada’s northern jurisdictions. I hosted a videoconference on January 15 in advance of an annual in-person gathering in Pond Inlet in May.
Mr. Speaker, many of Nunavut’s priorities such as Arctic security and sovereignty, infrastructure, and housing are shared areas of interest for Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Officials from all three territories will continue to work together over the coming months to develop a strong agenda that reflects the needs of Northerners.
I also look forward to working with my colleague, MLA Nutarak, and the Hamlet of Pond Inlet, to share the beauty and community spirit of the hamlet with our colleagues and friends from Yukon and the Northwest Territories.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.