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, I rise to mark International Women’s Day, and to recognize strong Inuit women who serve as models for all the young girls and women of Nunavut.
In Ottawa, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon is the first Inuk and first Indigenous woman to serve as the Governor General of Canada.
We also have Lori Idlout as our member of Parliament, representing the voices of Nunavummiut in Ottawa.
Here at home, the Honourable Eva Aariak is the Commissioner of Nunavut and a former Premier. First elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2008, she has been a champion for women in our… 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 April 1 we welcomed Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon. This was her first official visit to Nunavut as the first Indigenous and first Inuk Governor General of Canada.
It was an especially joyous moment as we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our territory.
Mr. Speaker, it was truly an honour to receive Her Excellency and His Excellency Whit Fraser here at the Legislative Assembly. I was joined by Commissioner Eva Aariak, Iqaluit Members of the Legislative Assembly George Hickes, Janet Brewster and Adam Lightstone, Mayor Solomon Awa, the Canadian Rangers, Major… 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, I rise today to inform my colleagues about two recent engagements where I promoted Nunavut’s strategic interests considering Arctic sovereignty and security.
It is no secret that we are facing challenging times under the current geo-political landscape. Our ties with our friends and allies will be critical in how the Arctic responds to these challenges. With 20 per cent of Canada’s land mass, Nunavut must play a significant role in Canada’s Arctic strategy.
To ensure that Nunavut’s interests are not lost in these conversations, I have been taking opportunities to engage with… 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 am excited to announce that our annual songwriting contest, Qilaut, is back.
This year marks a special milestone, as Qilaut celebrates its tenth-year anniversary. It is an opportunity to reflect on how Qilaut has helped amplify the voices of Nunavut artists while strengthening the use of Inuktut in music.
Mr. Speaker, since its inception, Qilaut has provided a platform for Nunavummiut to express their creativity, showcase their musical talents, and preserve our language. This contest allows emerging and established artists to celebrate and connect with our culture through… 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.
Mr. Speaker, children are the future of our territory. As Premier, and as a father, I am deeply disheartened by yesterday’s report by Auditor General of Canada Karen Hogan that says the delivery of child and family services in Nunavut is in a crisis state.
Mr. Speaker, as children are involved, our response must be swift. With the full support of Cabinet, the government is unlocking the resources necessary to enable the Departments of Family Services, Health, and Human Resources to respond financially and with increased human capacity. The Department of Executive and Intergovernmental… read more.