Premier's Statements

We did it! We’re ready. Inuktitut: We did it! We’re ready. Our land, our resources, in the hands of our people. Inuktitut: Our land, our resources, in the hands of our people. Namminiqsurniq, devolution, is one more step in the realization of the vision of a self-reliant Nunavut. This is the next big chapter in the story of our territory. We did it! Firstly, I want to acknowledge: Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, President Aluki Kotierk, Minister of Norther Affairs, Dan Vandal, as well as all the other former premiers and commissioners of Nunavut and… read more.
Today Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok released the following statement: “In honour of beloved Nunavut Elder Qapik Attagutsiak, I have requested that all flags at Government of Nunavut buildings fly at half-mast until she is laid to rest. My thoughts are with Qapik’s large extended family, the community of Arctic Bay, and all those who have been enriched by her extraordinary spirit. Qapik’s contributions to the lives of Inuit and non-Inuit alike spans a century, from her earliest years, when as a child of 10 she learned midwifery, to her recent years, when she has so generously shared her… read more.
July 12, 2023 Iqaluit, Nunavut Today Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross released the following joint statement in recognition of the visit of U.S. Ambassador to Canada, the Honorable David L. Cohen: “We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Ambassador to Canada for visiting Nunavut from July 9-12, 2023. The Hon. David L. Cohen and his wife Rhonda put great effort into meeting with Nunavummiut to understand the unique realities of our communities. This visit demonstrates a strengthened relationship between Nunavut and the United States, which… read more.
July 7 – 9, 2023 Nunavut-wide Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released the following statement to acknowledge Nunavut’s territorial holiday: “As we celebrate Nunavut Day and the 30th anniversary of the Nunavut Agreement, I want to tell all Nunavummiut I am truly grateful for your efforts to make our territory stronger and more united. I believe that together we are making great strides towards the transformational change we envision for Nunavut. In the spirit of Katujjiluta, I invite you to join me this Nunavut Day in celebrating our culture, our languages, and the resilience of our… read more.
June 6, 2023 Iqaluit, Nunavut Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released the following statement: “Today, I had the pleasure of delivering a keynote address to the Arctic Security Working Group, an annual event held this year in Iqaluit on June 6 and 7. The Government of Nunavut is co-hosting the meeting with Joint Task Force North. “The theme of the meeting is Critical Infrastructure: Northern Considerations and Priorities. Over these two days, Nunavut officials are leading panels on priority topics including cyber-security, climate change, and power generation. The working group will… read more.
30 May 2023 Statement Premier responds to Auditor General’s reports Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released the following statement responding to the reports of the Auditor General of Canada titled Child and Family Services in Nunavut and COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Nunavut: “Our government acknowledges and accepts Auditor General Karen Hogan’s findings. Children are the future of our territory. As Premier, and as a father, I am deeply disheartened by her report that says the delivery of child and family services in Nunavut is in a crisis state.  Our response must be swift. With… read more.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released a statement to celebrate the life of Elder Donat Milortok and the role he played in the creation of Nunavut: “Following a visit to Naujaat, I want to recognize the late Donat Milortok for the crucial role he played in the creation of the Nunavut Settlement Area as a negotiator and signatory to the Nunavut Agreement. Donat was a founder and past president of the Tunngavik Federation of Nunavut (TFN), which we now know as Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI). As an elected leader, I take much inspiration from Donat, a residential school survivor who overcame many… read more.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released a statement in response to the arbitration decision about Article 23 concerning Inuit employment levels in government: “The Government of Nunavut (GN) is committed to building a workforce that represents the population of Nunavut as set out in Article 23 of the Nunavut Agreement. We continue to work with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) and the Government of Canada to further our shared goal in this regard. The GN will continue to develop and implement detailed, specific, and ambitious Inuit Employment Plans aimed at increasing Inuit participation in… read more.
On the eve of the Coronation, Premier P.J. Akeegok today issued the following statement: “Warm wishes of congratulations to His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort Camilla on their coronation. His Majesty and Her Majesty visited Iqaluit in 2017, and we look forward to the next time we can welcome them to Nunavut. We support His Majesty’s focus on issues relevant to Nunavut, including reconciliation and climate change. The Government of Nunavut is a responsible government with a role for the Crown. We fully support our friend, Governor General Mary Simon, as The King… read more.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok today released the following statement: “Today, the member for Baker Lake, Craig Simailak, resigned from Executive Council. I wish to extend my appreciation for his service as a minister for two crucial portfolios. In the interim, portfolio changes are as follows: Minister David Akeeagok will act as: Minister of Justice. Minister responsible for Labour. Minister responsible for Human Rights Tribunal. Minister Lorne Kusugak will act as: Minister responsible for the Utility Rates Review Council. As Premier, I will act as: Minister responsible for… read more.