Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about the Council of the Federation (COF) meetings I attended in Halifax from July 15-17.
Mr. Speaker, the annual Council of the Federation summer meetings bring together premiers from across Canada to advance joint priorities by working collaboratively.
We made history this year, for the first time the gathering included three Indigenous premiers, Manitoba’s Premier Kinew, Northwest Territory’s Premier Simpson and myself. This shows the advancements made by Indigenous communities across Canada.
Mr. Speaker, it is also important to note that this year’s meetings included significant discussions about Arctic sovereignty and security. As the chair of the Northern Premiers caucus, I worked closely with my colleagues from the Northwest Territories and Yukon to ensure that the three territories had a strong and united voice on issues that directly impact our jurisdictions.
Mr. Speaker as premiers we agreed that provinces and territories should be important partners in Canada’s security, maintaining vigilance against foreign interference, supporting the development of domestic critical minerals supply chains, and helping to ensure the security of transportation corridors, energy sources, and vital infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Patrick Woodcock, an instructor and educator with United for Literacy in Iqaluit, the recipient of the 20th annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award for Nunavut.
Mr. Woodcock has worked tirelessly for the past two years to develop a formal literacy program for incarcerated Nunavummiut. Patrick works four days a week at Aaqqigiarvik Correctional Healing Facility and three days a week at the Nunavut Women’s Correctional Centre, teaching people a variety of subjects one-on-one. When a person is released, Mr. Woodcock continues to work with them at Uttaqivik Community Residential Centre or within the community.
On August 1, 2024, Ontario Premier Doug Ford will assume the Chair of the Council of the Federation. Ontario will host the next summer meeting of Canada’s Premiers on July 21 – 23, 2025.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.