Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the week of May the 5th to the 9th, a Sahtu tour took place to discuss the critical issues of food security and food sovereignty in our region. We met with local leaders, elders, community members, who generously shared their thoughts, concerns, innovative ideas, about addressing affordability.
Mr. Speaker, these meetings were a huge success with participation from community members, leaders, investing in finding sustainable solutions. The discussions were heartfelt and productive, touching on traditional harvesting practices, modern food distribution challenges, and potential collaborative approaches.
I would like to personally thank Food Banks Canada, Nutrition North, and Sysco Canada for their travelling to our remote Sahtu communities and for their commitment to understand our unique northern challenges. Their expertise and willingness to listen to community voices were invaluable to the success of the tour.
I also want to express my sincere appreciation to CBC and Cabin Radio for their excellent media coverage throughout the tour. Their thoughtful reporting highlighted the significant hardships that are faced in the communities, including the high cost -- extremely high cost of food, limited access to fresh produce, and the importance of traditional food in maintaining cultural connections.
I'd also like to extend my special thanks to Buffalo Airways for providing the chartered services. Their discounted rate for the charter made it possible for our diverse group to visit all Sahtu communities despite the vast distances between them.
Mr. Speaker, the community members and leaders in the communities came together, shared their personal experiences with food insecurity, and asked thoughtful questions about how they can realize food security, the discussions -- Mr. Speaker, I request an extension to conclude my statement. Mahsi.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mahsi cho, colleagues. The questions revealed a strong desire to blend traditional knowledge with modern solutions, creating food systems that are culturally appropriate, environmentally sustainable, and economically viable for our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And now the work begins on logistics.
Thank you, Member from the Sahtu.
Colleagues, before we continue with Members' statements, I'd like to recognize members of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada's team that are here in relation to the publication of the Auditor General's report on protected and conserved areas in the Northwest Territories, and I apologize to the people if I say your name wrong:
Jerry Demarco, Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development;
Carey Agnew, principal auditor;
Emilie Anne Duval, director, territorial liaison.
Welcome to the Assembly, and thank you for your work.
Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
