Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about the February 4 Council of the Federation (COF) meeting I attended via video conference.
Mr. Speaker, the Council of the Federation provides a forum where Canada’s Premiers meet to advance their priorities, by working collaboratively on key issues of common interest. Throughout the meeting I was impressed by the dedication, energy, and passion each of my colleagues demonstrated, not only for their respective jurisdictions but also for the challenges we collectively face.
Mr. Speaker, our discussions focused on an urgent and essential… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my recent meeting with Prime Minister Trudeau about the Katujjiluta mandate.
On May 12, I met with the Prime Minister for the third time since becoming Premier. This meeting was focused on joint priorities outlined in our mandate.
Mr. Speaker, in our meeting we emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, and other Inuit organizations on issues such as housing in the North. The Prime Minister and I agreed on the urgency of closing the housing gap in Nunavut and its connection to other… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Minister of Northern Affairs, the Honourable Daniel Vandal’s recent visit to Iqaluit.
On April 12 and 13 I had the opportunity to meet with Minister Vandal as he travelled to Iqaluit to discuss Budget 2022 investments in Nunavut.
Mr. Speaker, during his Iqaluit visit, Minister Vandal and I toured one of the recently constructed Government of Nunavut social housing units. The unit was an accessible home made to accommodate an individual with mobility issues, such as an Elder. That unit is one of over 100 newly constructed homes in Nunavut, built… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
Mr. Speaker, this award celebrates the valuable contributions made by Canadians in the field of literacy. In Nunavut, this award recognizes individuals who support and inspire others to use Inuktut and develop literacy skills through oral, written, or artistic expression.
On September 8, I was honoured to announce the Council of the Federation Literacy Award went to Jeela Palluq-Cloutier.
This award recognizes Jeela’s tireless work towards revitalizing and strengthening Inuktut languages for many years… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues about the Arctic Circle Forum, which I was honoured attended in person in Nuuk, Greenland.
Mr. Speaker, Yukon Premier Sandy Silver, Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane and I were given the opportunity to speak on strengthening security and sovereignty in Canada’s North.
During the conference we raised awareness of the need for investments in critical infrastructure to ensure sustainable energy sources, reliable transportation and telecommunications can serve a dual purpose of fulfilling defence and community needs.
Mr.… read more.
Mr. Speaker, on February 8th I was honoured to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The longstanding relationship between our regions is founded on common values, culture and heritage, Northern and Arctic geography, and a shared maritime history.
We also face similar challenges as governments, Mr. Speaker. This renewed partnership will help us to jointly advance innovation, enhance responsible economic and social development, and promote diversity and inclusiveness to create and maintain robust and vibrant communities.
Mr. Speaker, as… read more.
Mr. Speaker, it is always my pleasure to promote and congratulate Nunavummiut who demonstrate excellence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. It is my great honour today, Mr. Speaker, to congratulate Nunavut’s finalists and winners of the prestigious Arctic Inspiration Prize.
Mr. Speaker, the Arctic Inspiration Prize provides much needed attention and funding to projects that help improve our communities and the lives of our people, expand our knowledge, and inspire change in the fields of education, health, culture, environmental stewardship, and the economy.
I attended this year… read more.
Mr. Speaker, on February 8th, I had the honour of visiting the Embassy of the United States of America in Ottawa to meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Canada, the Honourable David Cohen.
Ambassador Cohen invited me to meet with him to establish a relationship between Nunavut and the United States. Mr. Speaker, in our meeting I focused on the significance of Arctic sovereignty and security for Canada and the U.S.
Ambassador Cohen generously offered to collaborate on bipartisan issues and to connect our government with officials in his network.
Mr. Speaker, Ambassador Cohen joined me on… read more.
Mr. Speaker, Qulliq Energy Corporation is excited to announce that the corporation’s brand-new head office in Baker Lake is open for business. The utility’s administrative employees and services are now available at 3091 6th Street for those customers wishing to pay their bills or make inquiries in person. Its construction is a testament to QEC’s significant investment in better serving customers across the territory and supporting the local community.
The new facility also marks an important milestone for the corporation and its employees. With the introduction of a unified and organized… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Russia’s unprovoked aggression against Ukraine is a threat to global security, the stability of Arctic communities and the continuity of Arctic cooperation.
Nunavut condemns this unjustified violation of international law and supports the strong sanctions Canada has imposed on Russia.
Mr. Speaker, I stand united with the premiers of Yukon and Northwest Territories in expressing concern about Arctic defence and security. Russia’s aggression will inevitably impact Arctic affairs and threaten valued institutions such… read more.