Mr. Speaker on October 11 the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and I, co-hosted the fifth annual Arctic and Northern Policy Framework Leadership Committee meeting in Iqaluit.
We were joined by Northwest Territories’ Premier R.J. Simpson, Indigenous and territorial leaders as well as federal, territorial, and provincial partners to the Framework. Minister Vandal’s federal colleague, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, joined the meeting in person while the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence; and the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health took part virtually.
Ministers David Joanasie, John Main and Daniel Qavvik joined me at this meeting.
Mr. Speaker, the meeting included discussions on perspectives on the Framework as well as international Arctic policy, Arctic and Northern security and defence, northern housing and infrastructure, and mental health and addictions.
I took the opportunity to outline the immediate need for significant investments in the Arctic that meet local community needs, forge opportunities for economic development, address reconciliation and our country’s geopolitical interests in Arctic sovereignty and security.
Launched in 2019, the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework sets out a shared vision of the future where strong, self-reliant people and communities work together for a vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable Arctic and northern region at home and abroad. It guides the Government of Canada’s priorities, activities, and investments in the Arctic to 2030 and beyond, and better aligns Canada’s national and international policy objectives with the priorities of Indigenous Peoples and everyone who lives across the Arctic and the North.
As northern premiers and Indigenous leaders, we have devoted a lot of time to implement the vision of the Arctic and Northern Policy Framework and develop long-lasting opportunities for the North.
Mr. Speaker, at the meeting I stressed that it is not too late for the federal government to step up and make transformative investments in the North to realize the vision in this Framework.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.