Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm coming to you from Iqaluit, Nunavut, speaking on behalf of the Chamber of Mines today.
From a chamber perspective, Canada's critical minerals strategy aligns with Arctic sovereignty and defence readiness. The same infrastructure that enables mining, ports, roads, power systems, air access and communications is what allows Canada to operate securely in the north.
Energy security in Nunavut is national security. The chamber supports responsible investment, but in critical minerals, Canada must look beyond simple ownership to long-term control through offtake agreements, financing structures and logistics. If Canada wants to be a reliable supplier to our allies, including NATO, then northern projects must be supported by year-round infrastructure and domestic or allied processing capacity. Trusted ally collaboration should strengthen Canadian sovereignty, Inuit partnerships and northern capacity, not shift strategic leverage offshore.
That's my opening. Thank you, Mr. Chair.