Indeed, I think the issue of economic and social development was very much something emphasized by the Prime Minister during his tour of the north this summer. While I think there are a number of different opportunities coming forward in the north, certainly, as you said, I think some of the shipping will prevent tremendous potential for economic growth and jobs for the people of the north.
While it may be some time before we can actually take full advantage of these northern shipping routes, there is still only a very short period of the year when there is full access to some of these ports. Certainly, looking at the longer term, I think we recognize that there could be real possibilities to expand shipping and take full advantage of these ports. I think there has been some work going on for some time with respect to the Port of Churchill as a gateway, if you like, to North America, certainly for grain and perhaps for other commodities as well.
You also raise a very interesting question about cultural exchange. I would say that for quite some time there's been growing interest in the traditional culture of the Canadian north and in the Inuit people in particular. We've seen a number of exhibitions of this type in Europe and Asia and elsewhere. I would say that in many respects there is ongoing cultural renewal. Our Arctic Council chairmanship will certainly be a good opportunity to highlight some of that for a wider audience.