I just happen to have the answer. You bet I do.
As members of the House should be aware, the Arctic ecosystem is very fragile. It is beset by toxic pollutants from within the Arctic region and countries of the south.
The member and I both participated at the Yellowknife Conference for Arctic Parliamentarians and later that week the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development participated at the Conference for Arctic Ministers in Inuvik.
I am very pleased to say that as a result of these two conferences, the Minister of the Environment has made an announcement about the establishment of an Arctic council that will occur this summer. This council will address the problems faced by circumpolar nations in the Arctic.
As Canadians we should be very proud of this international co-operative effort.