Mr. Speaker, the president of Makivik, Pita Aatimi, the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Liberal member for Kenora—Rainy River, in Ontario, and the Quebec minister responsible for aboriginal affairs signed a political agreement to establish the Nunavik commission, on November 5.
This tripartite commission will recommend a form of government for Nunavik, land covering the part of Quebec north of the 55th parallel. Its mandate will be to propose a plan of action and recommendations for the structure, operation and powers of a government in Nunavik, along with a completion schedule.
For many years, the Inuit of northern Quebec and I have been nurturing the hope of creating a unique and innovative system of government.
The Inuit of Nunavik have the ability and leadership to stimulate their economic growth within Canada.