Mr. Speaker, Katujjiluta identifies Elders and “aging with dignity in Nunavut” as a key priority area. Our mandate promises to develop a comprehensive Elder and senior care strategy with broad input from Elders, families, communities, and partners.
I’m proud to announce, Mr. Speaker, work is underway towards a Strategic Action Plan for Elders in Nunavut. We have contracted Iqaluit consultant Mary Wilman to work in tandem with the Iqaluit-based company Lichen Consulting to do this review. We aim to complete the new framework by December. Elders groups are being engaged at regional gatherings… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share that on February 7th, I met with Ontario Premier Doug Ford for a bilateral meeting in Ottawa.
Nunavut is reliant on our southern neighbours for goods and services. This is especially true for specialized healthcare we cannot provide in our territory.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to thank my friend Premier Ford for vocalizing his support for Canada’s Territories at a national level, as together the provinces and territories negotiate healthcare funding with the federal government.
Premier Ford has never been to Nunavut. I have invited him to visit Iqaluit at his… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate International Women’s Day. While this day commemorates the social, political, and economic achievements of women across the globe, it also highlights the ongoing work towards gender equality; to the need to break the gender biases in our society, and to the fight to stop violence and abuse towards women and girls.
On this day, I would like to recognize the strong, resilient, successful women in Nunavut who made and continue to make a difference.
I want to begin with our Commissioner, Eva Aariak. Ms. Aariak has had a distinguished career in politics… read more.
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, I rise today to inform my colleagues about the support the Government of Nunavut has provided to communities in Eastern Canada who have been impacted by hurricane Fiona.
On Saturday, September 24, hurricane Fiona hit Nova Scotia, eastern Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador. The storm left many without power and tremendous debris throughout communities. Storm surges swept away homes. I was saddened to hear there were lives lost due to this historic, extreme weather event.
Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to those impacted by hurricane Fiona in… read more.
Mr. Speaker, I’m excited to demonstrate our government’s commitment to Inuit employment at the highest levels of the public service. Each department and agency can now assign an Associate Deputy Minister to work as a core member of their executive team.
The new role is structured to enable qualified Nunavut Inuit to assume senior level responsibilities over time, and to gain experience and essential skills through a program of mentorship, structured teamwork and focused preparation. Each associate will shadow and report directly to the deputy head of a department or agency.
The creation of… read more.