Nunavut throne speech says territory needs more effort, government streamlining

Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias gives her address opening the third session of the current Legislative Assembly Feb. 28. The throne speech warns Nunavut’s government will run a deficit this year, and promises new public health and public service legislation. (PHOTO BY CHRIS WINDEYER)

Urging all Nunavummiut to build a “solid” foundation for the territory, Edna Elias, the Commissioner of Nunavut, opened the third session of the third legislative assembly Feb. 28 with her first commissioner’s address, Nunavut’s version of the speech from the throne. (See full text embedded at the bottom of this page.)

“Our people are our biggest strength and our most important asset,” said Elias, speaking in the Inuit language while seated at the speaker’s chair inside the Nunavut legislature.

Nunavut has a “clear roadmap” for the future, she said, which will lead to a future with better housing, more food and improved economic possibilities for all residents.

This future won’t be handed to Nunavut, but will require the effort of every person and the streamlining of government services and programs.

“Do what you can to make Nunavut strong” was her message to the MLAs.

And Nunavut will try to provide more jobs and reach into its empty pockets for the money it needs to cover programs and services,

“There is no denying that the current fiscal situation is tight, to the point where the minister of finance will need to introduce a deficit budget,” on March 1, she said.

Devolution of public lands management from the federal government to the territorial government will be the key to Nunavut’s ability to make ends meet.

Devolution is “essential,” Elias said, for Nunavut to become self-reliant.

Despite the extreme financial pressures on the Government of Nunavut, Edna said the GN will focus on youth, poverty reduction, community self-reliance, housing and infrastructure, such as airports.

The GN will also do what it can to reduce overcrowding, “hidden homelessness” and hunger.

Elias acknowledged that a third of Nunavut households don’t get enough to eat.

Food insecurity will be addressed by the distribution of country foods and community freezer upgrades.

Feb. 28, 2011: Nunavut Commissioner’s Address (Speech from the throne)