Nunavut Premier welcomes Arctic Council’s new leadership

Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut MP — and minister responsible for the Arctic Council, arrives May 15 at the city hall in Kiruna, Sweden for the Arctic Council’s ministerial meeting. “I look forward to a strong northern perspective in Canada’s efforts at the Arctic Council, led by a Nunavummiuq, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq,” said Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak in a May 15 statement. (PHOTO BY ALEX BOYD)

Hours after the May 15 Arctic Council ministerial meeting in Kiruna, Sweden ended, Nunavut Premier Eva Aariak sent out a statement saying that Government of Nunavut looks forward to a “strong northern perspective in Canada” under the chairmanship of Canada and with Nunavut MP Leona Aglukkaq as Canada’s minister responsible for the Arctic Council.

“This is the opportunity for Canadians to lead in the Arctic at a time when climate change and economic development are attracting global attention to our region,” Aariak said.

“I look forward to a strong northern perspective in Canada’s efforts at the Arctic Council, led by a Nunavummiuq.”

Aariak also said she’s eager to receive more details aboiut how the European Union will address concerns, also raised by Canada May 15 is Kiruna, about the EU’s ban on seal products and the impact on Inuit.

While the Arctic Council is an international forum, which considers circumpolar issues, Aariak said “Canada’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council offers us an opportunity to act on issues important to Nunavummiut, including economic development and building the infrastructure necessary to support it.”

Aariak said those issues also include improving and developing mental wellness promotion strategies, new efforts on climate change; and new international rules to protect the environment from the increasing traffic of ships through Nunavut waters.

Aariak also said the GN also welcomed the signing in Kiruna of the legally-binding Arctic agreement to improve the response to oil spills.

“With oil exploration already a reality in waters adjacent to Nunavut, our government has been participating in the talks that have led to this new agreement. The waters we share provide food and livelihoods to Nunavummiut, so rapid and effective response to any oil spills that occur is essential,” she said.

As well, Canada needs a stronger search and rescue presence in the Arctic, she said.

This will better enable Canada to implement its commitments at the Arctic Council, including the 2011 treaty on search and rescue, she said.