Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the town of Inuvik was designated as a northern operational support hub in March 2025 by the Department of National Defence federal minister. The western Arctic location of Inuvik makes it a strategic Arctic security and sovereignty location to monitor and defend Canada's Arctic.
Mr. Speaker, the 3,000-foot extension to the Inuvik runway will make Inuvik the most strategic northern operational support hub for the Royal Canadian Airforce and other NORAD partners. Mr. Speaker, make no mistake, this is a great news story, something we need to celebrate.
Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to congratulate the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation, the Gwich'in Tribal Council, the local Indigenous contractors, and certainly, last but not least, the leadership shown by this government on that project to get it on time, on budget, and to work closely in collaboration with all its partners. But, Mr. Speaker, the work's not done.
DND staff recently met with the town of Inuvik. Department of Infrastructure and GNWT staff were also at that meeting, as well as IRC and ETC, to discuss their latest plans for future upgrades for the existing forward operating location.
Mr. Speaker, over the next five years, Inuvik's northern operational support hub will see two new aircraft hangars, fuel storage tanks, and several operational support and storage buildings. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT needs to be prepared so we are fully involved and committed to ensure Inuvik plays a critical role in Arctic security. The potential jobs and economic development of the DND upgrades in Inuvik are important locally, for the Northwest Territories, and certainly nationally, Mr. Speaker. I'll have questions for the Minister of Infrastructure later. Thank you.
Thank you, Member from Inuvik Boot Lake. Members' statements. Member from the Sahtu.
