Science and Research committee  Some of those things go hand in hand. There's a significant and growing mining industry in Nunavut. Some large companies have active mines or mines that are currently being developed. Those provide all sorts of opportunities for employment in northern communities. Just on that—

Science and Research committee  I think there's a long lead time for exploration. There's certainly a potential for new mines to be developed. What I was going to say is that in terms of our research, the significance of understanding what's happening to wildlife can influence the type of food sharing and harvesting opportunities for local economic development through cut-and-wrap facilities in the Kitikmeot region, where we are.

Science and Research committee  I'm not aware of any Russian activity in the Canadian Arctic.

Science and Research committee  Do you mean in the Antarctic?

Science and Research committee  Yes. Currently, the Antarctic Treaty consultative meetings are taking place in India. Canada is currently applying for consultative party status in the Antarctic Treaty, so we're following developments closely. There have certainly been Russian interests in the Antarctic over a long period of time as a party to that treaty.

Science and Research committee  Hello. I'd like to thank the committee for holding this important hearing. I'm pleased to be here today to provide comments on behalf of Polar Knowledge Canada. My name is David Hik. I have served as the chief scientist at Polar Knowledge Canada for the past two and a half years.