Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the unanimously adopted 24th report of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, entitled “Nation-Building at Home, Vigilance Beyond: Preparing for the Coming Decades in the Arctic”.
I also have the distinct honour to present the executive summary on recommendations contained in this report in four indigenous languages: Inuktitut, Inuinnaqtun, Gwich’in and the Dogrib dialect, Wiiliideh. While there are many indigenous languages in Canada's north, these four languages are spoken by the groups the committee met with during our travel to Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. This is the first time that a committee has presented a report in an indigenous language. I speak for all committee members when I say that it is absolutely our honour to do so.
In developing this report, the committee benefited greatly from the information and experience provided by indigenous communities. This unprecedented translation represents the importance this committee places on working with Canada's indigenous peoples in strengthening our Arctic and their essential role in developing and defending Canada's north.
Pursuant to Standing Order 109 the committee requests that the government table a comprehensive response to this report.