OTTAWA, May 4, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, along with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today took part in a signing ceremony with the Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut, and Cathy Towtongie, President of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, to significantly advance the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and foster economic opportunities in the North.
Canada, NTI and the Government of Nunavut have negotiated a way forward that puts past differences to rest, clears the way for improvements on the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement so that Inuit of Nunavut to become greater partners to unlock economic opportunities and create jobs in Nunavut.
Next steps include additional resources directed to: activities to increase Inuit employment in the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut; updating and maintaining Canada's Nunavut Inuit Labour Force Analysis; implementing initiatives to support government Inuit employment plans and pre-employment plans; and, the creation of the Nunavut Inuit Training Corporation by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, which will provide funding and support for training, skills development and qualifications which will prepare Inuit for the workforce.
Quick Facts
- The Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, enacted in July 1993, covers over one-fifth of Canada's land mass. Through this Agreement, Inuit of Nunavut became the largest land owners in Canada and gained a share of resource royalties, as well as a greater role in managing the land and protecting the environment.
- On December 6, 2006, Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated filed a Statement of Claim against Canada seeking compensation for alleged breaches of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. As a result of this agreement, that action will be dismissed.
- An increase in funding to the Institutions of Public Government (announced March 20, 2015), addresses key implementation matters moving forward.
Quotes
"Our Government remains focused on jobs, growth and economic prosperity for all Canadians. Today's signing ceremony is a clear demonstration of our Government's commitment to moving forward and working with our partners to implement the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement so that ultimately, we can unlock new economic opportunities and create jobs for Nunavummiut."
Bernard Valcourt,
Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
"Successful implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement is important to the future of Nunavummiut and can only be achieved in a cooperative climate that emphasizes mutual respect. Today's announcement is an important step towards improving the lives and opportunities of Nunavummiut. I am honoured to be part of this important chapter in the history of our territory and our people."
Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council
Additional links
Government of Canada Increases Opportunity for Business in the North
Government of Nunavut
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
SOURCE Government of Canada
Emily Hillstrom, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, 819-953-1160; You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions.
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