Yellowknife, Monday, June 19, 2006

My husband Jean-Daniel Lafond and I would like to thank you for your warm welcome and for organizing this dinner in honour of my first official visit to the Northwest Territories as governor general of Canada. In fact, it is my first visit ever to your territory.

For me, and for most Canadians, the North is an unknown region of our vast country, despite the fact that it occupies the largest land mass. I had the opportunity to visit Nunavut a few months ago and once again feel privileged to discover yet another side of the Far North.

Thanks to your kind invitation, Premier Handley, my husband and I have already had the opportunity to sample some of the pleasures of your region as we joined you in a bit of fishing yesterday. And though we didn’t fare too badly, the real magic was in the abundant nature, untouched and endless, all around us.

I could not help but think about the sprawling and often chaotic way in which human beings occupy spaces in most regions of the world. There are few spaces left like yours, where we feel as though we are reconnecting with a natural rhythm that has been lost south of the sixtieth parallel.

This is why your region is a treasure not only for Canada, but also for the entire world. And my husband and I are delighted to discover, with you as our guide, the many sides of northern life that are still such a mystery for so many of us. We often associate this part of the country with that spirit of freedom that the wide open spaces of Canada have come to symbolize the world over.

We have so much to learn from you and hope to begin an open and friendly dialogue about your concerns and dreams for the future.

In the coming years, I would like to be a voice for the North as I travel this country and the world.

My husband and I want you to tell us about the challenges you are facing with economic growth and development, about the situation of young people in your communities, about their future prospects, about the preservation of northern ecosystems, which Mother Nature has so generously provided for you, and about the effects of climate change on your traditional ways of life and day‑to‑day experiences.

We are anxious to hear your thoughts on these issues. Believe me when I say that you can count on me not only to listen but also to help however I can.

We have come to this territory in friendship, and over the next few days, Jean-Daniel, my team and myself will be meeting with people from all walks of life. Rangers, artists, community leaders, youth, elders, Aboriginal chiefs, women, Francophones, documentary filmmakers, park wardens and elected officials.

Each and every one of you has so much to teach us. About the means available to your fellow citizens to live healthy lives and obtain the training they need to create a strong northern identity and diversify the economy while protecting the environment. The thought of opening a dialogue with you on these issues is exciting, and we sincerely hope that it will be enriched each time we return.

It is now my pleasure, Mr. Premier, to ask you all to rise and join me in a toast … To the Northwest Territories and to the well-being and continued prosperity of its people.