Taptuna to host western premiers in Iqaluit on Nunavut Day

Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna will host premiers from the other two territories and the four western provinces at their annual meeting July 9 and July 10 in Iqaluit. (FILE PHOTO)

Iqaluit will host premiers from six other provinces and territories July 9 and July 10 when they gather for this year’s Western Premiers’ Conference, Nunavut Premier Peter Taptuna said June 10.

The event coincides with Nunavut Day, July 9, which this year occurs within Nunavut’s 15th year following its creation on April 1, 1999.

“The opportunity to showcase Nunavut’s culture, traditions and language is always a thrill,” Taptuna said.

Premiers from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon will visit Iqaluit for the conference.

“This year, the proposed themes of the conference will focus on the challenges and opportunities facing the West’s northern and remote communities, and competitiveness — making sure our jurisdictions remain strong and resilient leaders,” Taptuna said.

Nunavut last hosted the event in 2007.

That’s when the seven premiers issued a joint statement to Ottawa recommending a devolution deal for Nunavut.

At last year’s conference, held in Winnipeg, the topic of conversation focused on bullying.

This is the first western premiers’ gathering that Taptuna will attend as premier of Nunavut.