It covers one-fifth of Canada's land mass. Some 85 percent of its 25,000 residents are Inuit. Because they represent a substantial majority in the new territory, the Inuit will be able to shape governing systems that are more receptive, responsive and sensitive to their culture and traditions, their needs and aspirations while working within a system of public government similar to Canada's two other territorial governments. Nunavut has a vast potential for wealth and job creation. The territory contains significant resources, including copper, gold, silver, lead, zinc and diamonds, as well as abundant hunting and fishing.
Tourism is a promising industry.
The territorial government will have a strong say in how all these resources will be developed. Madam Chairperson, The Government of Canada and Aboriginal peoples have been working to restore a partnership based upon mutual trust. Much of the progress now being made on the Government's side comes as a result of our commitment to a new Action Plan called Gathering Strength. We have already outlined some of the details of Gathering Strength in our review of developments, and emphasized how it provides a new strategic framework to address issues across the entire Aboriginal agenda. There are some aspects particularly related to land and resource issues which I would like to mention now.