Honourable senators, today I rise to speak on the Arctic Winter Games. As many of you know, the games were cancelled on Saturday because of the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus. While we work closely with public health, while we wish to carry on daily business, sometimes things can just not happen. There is a great amount of disappointment, of course, but I think I can speak for all involved when I say that public health trumps all and we understand why these games were cancelled.

I want to take the time to acknowledge the athletes for the countless hours they put into training and representing their countries and communities. Athletes from Alaska, northern Alberta, Northwest Territories, Sápmi, Alberta north, Nunavik, Quebec, Yamal, Greenland, Nunavut and the Yukon would have been arriving today.

Volunteers in their bright new uniforms would be there to greet all of the athletes, coaches and families, as they travel from their homes, in many cases for the first time. Sponsors, political leaders and partners would be there to host and meet many Canadian and international visitors.

Sunday would have been the opening ceremonies. Athletes representing the sports of skiing, archery, Arctic sports, badminton, biathlon snowshoe, the Dene games — check what those are — dog mushing, futsal, hockey and speed skating would proudly march into the opening ceremonies arena. The flag bearers and the athletes would march in and take the oath, while the City of Whitehorse would put on a truly wonderful show.

Events would continue with a very special reconciliation ceremony on Tuesday. Along with three other senators, I would have been there in Whitehorse in a variety of senator capacities. I was truly looking forward to several meetings, an opportunity to meet with many from the Arctic, in the Arctic, in their house, and of course give out the gold medal for dog mushing on Tuesday afternoon, with the hopes of going dog mushing myself.

I would also like to point out that these games would have been an economic boon for the Yukon and the City of Whitehorse. In the face of the threat COVID-19 poses, many Canadians will be avoiding international travel. This is an evolving situation, of course, but if you can, and if it’s deemed okay by your public health authorities to travel within Canada, might I recommend you pay a visit to Whitehorse on your next vacation. The city and its surroundings are so beautiful, and I know they would be happy to have you anytime. Thank you.