Nunavut premier calls on Ottawa to help upgrade territory’s health infrastructure

Amid conversations on major projects and Arctic security, Nunavut Premier John Main says he wants the federal government to play a role in upgrading the territory’s health-care infrastructure.

Main shared his thoughts Thursday while speaking alongside Northwest Territories Premier R.J. Simpson and Yukon Premier Currie Dixon at the Northern Premiers Forum in Hay River, N.W.T.

The federal government, Main said, is assessing the gaps in Nunavut’s health-care services, and he wants that to turn into meaningful improvements.

“We’re very excited from the Nunavut government side to see a federal interest in health infrastructure in the North. In my opinion, it’s long overdue,” said Main, who was the territory’s health minister before becoming premier.

“We have a huge infrastructure gap that’s leading to an over-reliance on medical travels, and if we can deliver services closer to home, it could benefit the territory in terms of our fiscal resources, and also benefit patients and communities.”

Nunatsiaq News emailed Crown Indigenous-Northern Affairs Canada for comment but did not receive a response by press time.

Health care was one of the main topics of the Northern Premiers Forum, which started Wednesday and ends Friday in Yellowknife and Hay River.

The three territorial leaders have been sharing the challenges, as well as the opportunities, they have to come together to call on Ottawa to invest in the North.

Major projects, infrastructure and Arctic security were also front and centre.

Federal Transportation Minister Steven MacKinnon announced Wednesday that the proposed Grays Bay road and port could be among Ottawa’s first major projects of “national interest.”

The Government of Nunavut is “offering conditional support to the project,” Main said, pointing to the screening process projects undergo through the Nunavut Impact Review Board, Nunavut Water Board and Nunavut Planning Commission.

“Bill C-5 and the major projects designation is significant. However, the over-riding legislation that we look at from the government’s side is the Nunavut Act, which is a constitutionally enshrined modern treaty,” Main said.

“No matter which project we’re talking about, our plan is to participate wholeheartedly in environmental assessment processes.”

The premiers spoke about how their three respective territories are different in many ways. But they also face similar challenges, such as energy grid strength and access to fly-in communities.

Next month, they are expected to meet with provincial leaders and Prime Minister Mark Carney when the Council of the Federation Gathers in Charlottetown.