Thank you, Mr. Chair.
You'll need your translation device, as I'll be talking in French. I'm very proud of my language, just as you are of yours.
First of all, Mr. Kaludjak, let me say that I am proud of my language and of the Inuktitut language. I was involved in Indian and Northern Affairs for seven years, from 1993 to 2000, and I loved to attend First Nation or Inuit gatherings at which people began the meeting in their official language. Your official language is Inuktitut and that is perfectly understandable.
I have a comment and I will then turn the floor over to my colleague who has some questions.
When I was elected in October 1993, my life in politics got off to a good start because my first trip in November of 1993 was to Iqaluit in Nunavut. The first thing that surprised me was the length of the flight, about three hours or about the same time it takes to fly to Florida. However, when I got off the plane, the temperature was not 300 Celsius, but rather -200 Celsius. That's quite a difference in temperature.
Well, I proceeded to walk around the village of Iqaluit. I admit I didn't have any plans, until I saw a building with the inscription “Nunavut Tunngavik“. I entered the building and told the person I encountered that I was a federal member of Parliament from Quebec representing the Bloc Québécois, as if I were an alien of some kind appearing out of the blue. He offered me a coffee and that broke the ice. I sat down with the people and they explained to me what steps they were taking, steps that eventually led to creation of Nunavut on April 1, 1999. I was on hand for that occasion, along with the Prime Minister and many other people.
I greatly enjoyed the time I spent in Nunavut. Your culture is truly extraordinary, as was your cuisine. There was no alcohol available. I recall that we made a toast with a small shooter of pure Nunavut water. It was a very memorable moment for me. I later returned to visit the Parliament of Nunavut, an absolutely amazing chamber. I have also met your Premier, Mr. Paul Okalik, on several occasions.
With respect to the Arctic, First Nations and the Inuit, the Bloc has taken the position that the Inuit are the key component of a new policy for the North. This is truly important for our party and I simply wanted to let you know that.
Regarding motion 387, I promise you that I will speak to my party's critic. It would be more respectful, and more in keeping with a good understanding agreement, to recognize that you are the people who have been living in this part of the world for thousands of years. It would be fitting for the Northwest Passage to have an Inuktitut name.
Thank you for listening to me. I will now turn the floor over to Mr. Paillé who has some questions for you.