Nunavut, Greenland leaders discuss mining, fishing, seal ban

Nunavut premier Peter Taptuna meets with Greenland premier Aleqa Hammond June 30 in Nuuk. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GN)

Nunavut and Greenland have committed to work together more closely to press the European Union on its seal product ban.

Greenland Premier Aleqa Hammond is hosting a Nunavut delegation in Nuuk this week, led by Premier Peter Taptuna, to discuss common issues on which the two hope to collaborate.

“With the conclusion of the WTO case, it is now important that we coordinate our efforts,” Hammond said in a July 2 press release.

“I, together with Peter Taptuna, will participate at Inuit Circumpolar Council’s general assembly in Inuvik later this month, and there we will discuss the EU ban on import of seal products again,” Hammond said.

“The EU import ban affects hunters in Nunavut and Greenland very strongly.”

Greenland and Nunavut signed a memorandum of understanding in 2000 to cement their partnership on a number of files; this trip was to look at how to strengthen that relationship, the GN said.

During his visit, Premier Taptuna is also meeting with other Greenland ministers on resources and economic development files, hunting and fishing and education, particularly in the mining sector.

“There are areas where our jurisdictions have common interests and both see potential benefits in cross-border links, such as the air-link between Nuuk and Iqaluit,” Taptuna said in a release.

“We are interested in working closely on commercial opportunities in hunting and fishing, especially if conceivable benefits are viable and expand our market access. “

During the visit, Nunavut’s education minister Paul Quassa is also meeting with his Greenlandic counterparts and visiting the University of Greenland along with the mining school in Sisimiut.

The delegation wraps up its visit July 4.