Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.
Ambassador, I'll give you time to put on your earpiece. Can you hear me okay? Yes. The interpreter's voice is smoother than mine. That works in your favour.
As my colleague Mr. Oliphant just pointed out, this mandate touches on many realities. You ended by talking about a form of public education on the realities in the Arctic. I understand that there are strategic, geopolitical and economic development issues associated with your mandate, with what you will have to do.
Earlier today, I sat on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources, where we heard from an indigenous grand chief who talked to us about free, prior and informed consent. She explained how difficult it was for the communities in a mining development context, particularly in the north. I think you will come across the issue of free, prior and informed consent in a mining development context. You are no doubt aware that Bill C‑5 makes it possible to somewhat speed up the development of certain natural resources right now.
As part of your mandate, am I to understand that you can play the role of mediator or, to a certain extent, ensure that the communities are on the same page with the government's wishes in terms of economic development?