These are concurrent challenges and ones that have not necessarily been linked in the past or present. I understand the essential need for this country to diversify its export, to find new markets and to ensure that this country is doing all it can to secure its future, whether it be economic or from a defence and security perspective.
We have unfinished projects in the sustainability of our Inuit Nunangat communities. We have an infrastructure deficit that goes beyond energy infrastructure. We also have willing partners in sovereignty, defence and security.
The role Inuit communities play is an essential one in this country. I look forward to working with the Government of Canada, but also with all jurisdictions in which Inuit live, in order to ensure that—in this moment, when so much focus is on the Arctic—we can do what we can to create sustainability for our communities.