Nunavut premier visits Ottawa to push for housing, infrastructure, devolution

Nunavut premier Eva Aariak visited Ottawa this week to raise awareness about “the realities of life in Nunavut,” including the territory’s lack of housing and energy infrastructure needs, the Government of Nunavut said in a Feb. 14 news release.

The GN said Aariak met with various federal officials and Prime Minister Stephen Harper “to voice Nunavut’s priorities and to outline the investments that will bring self-reliance to Nunavummiut and benefit all Canadians.”

“Nunavut has made incredible achievements since our territory was created in 1999,” Aariak said in the release. “Nonetheless, a renewed partnership with the Government of Canada is essential – especially in areas like housing and our outdated energy infrastructure – to put Nunavut firmly on the path of sustainability and self-reliance. I am working hard to ensure that decision-makers in Ottawa understand Nunavut’s needs and our promise for a bright future.”

During her talks in Ottawa, Aariak also pushed for the devolution of more control over resources to Nunavut and how the next federal budget can help Nunavut.

“With the Arctic attracting the world’s attention, we need a stronger effort now to build Nunavut to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” Aariak said.

In Ottawa, Aariak also met with Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq, also the federal minister of Health, the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and the Arctic Council, John Duncan, minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and Peter Penashue, minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and president of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada.