Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Tlicho diversification:
Recently, I learned of an important development in northern Ontario where three First Nations have entered a landmark partnership with Canada Nickel to advance a major mining project in their traditional territory near Timmins. This agreement includes preferential access to an estimated $2.5 billion in contract opportunities, ensuring that Indigenous governments are true partners, not just observers in resource development.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to compare the Ontario Nickel-First Nations agreement with the MOU announced at the AME roundup in Vancouver. This MOU was concluded with the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Tlicho government, and Yellowknife Dene. It binds the parties to work together towards the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. This MOU is a good start but does very little to make mines reality. Today, economic activity in the Tlicho is concentrated in mining, construction, and resource development, yet very few of these opportunities have translated into real lasting benefits for the communities. The region's economic context is clear.
One, Mr. Speaker, the closure of diamond and Gahcho Kue will have a significant impact on Tlicho communities, and today the GNWT has no meaningful alternative. That being said, and as many Tlicho citizens often said, we have a lot of resource minerals on our land; Fortune Minerals nickel project is just one of the several potential developers. Infrastructure gaps hinders the development. A road from the Tlicho Highway to Gameti with future connection to the Sahtu, possibly the Arctic Ocean, could create a transformative trade and development corridor. A diversified mineral development corridor could attract multiple industry while supporting cultural resilience and traditional land.
Mr. Speaker, seizing opportunity requires strategic partnership -- Mr. Speaker, can I have unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
---Unanimous consent granted
Mr. Speaker, the time to act is now before mine closures deepen economic hardship. My vision is for connected prosperous Tlicho region that leads northern Canada in mineral development and Arctic trades. Mr. Speaker, we may not have a Ring of Fire but we could have a Frosty Circle. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Member from Monfwi. Members' statements. Member from Inuvik Boot Lake.
