Mr. Speaker,
I rise today to share that I am now the proud owner of a Toronto Maple Leaf’s jersey gifted to me by the Honourable Premier of Ontario Doug Ford.
While I won’t comment on my sports loyalties today, Mr. Speaker, I can say I am thrilled to share that during my visit to Toronto on August 3rd, Premier Ford and I signed a Memorandum of Understanding between our jurisdictions.
Mr. Speaker, through this agreement, Nunavut and Ontario have a new platform to explore areas like health care, transportation, infrastructure, training, and Indigenous relations.
Nunavut and Ontario have a long history as partners, and I want to thank Premier Ford for his strong support of our territory.
Through this mutually beneficial relationship, Nunavut provides economic opportunities to Ontario in exchange for goods and services not available in Canada’s North. And for many Nunavummiut, Ontario is a primary travel hub. Whether it’s to access post-secondary education, obtain specialized health care, or for shopping and tourism, thousands of Nunavummiut head to our neighbouring province each year.
A cooperation and implementation committee will be established to advance joint priorities outlined in this understanding. Mr. Speaker, partnership is a priority of our Katujjiluta mandate, and I truly believe that Ontario can be a key player in Canada’s nation-building efforts in the North.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.