The challenges or the pressures that bring about discussion on the question of Canada's sovereignty are definitely the international interests in the Arctic, and, being an Arctic state, that does draw a lot of attention to the Canadian Arctic communities. It is, I feel, a long-standing priority for Canada. It's not just a flavour-of-the-day exercise that is happening. This is a very important component and region of Canada, and that's reflected in the relationships that have already been established and maintained with territorial governments and rights holder organizations, and the establishment of a variety of different functions, whether they be regulatory bodies as a result of negotiated and ratified modern treaties or not.
