Cabinet ponders Ottawa, communities, education

After holing up in Sanikiluaq for two days last week in what they’re calling a “strategy session,” the seven members of Nunavut’s cabinet have emerged to announce they’ve made progress in relations with the federal government, decentralization policies, housing policies, and the education system.

A cabinet communiqué issued last week says the cabinet is “pleased” that the federal government recognizes the inadequacy of per capita methods used to calculate how much money Nunavut gets under federal transfer programs.

The communiqué said the federal government has “begun discussions” on improving the financing formula it uses for the northern territories.

The communiqué also contains a hint that the next Nunavut-Canada language agreement will contain more money for Inuktitut.

“Through direct talks with Heritage Canada, cabinet ministers are becoming more optimistic that an improved accord may be reached that will promote the use of Inuktitut in Nunavut,” the communiqué said.

Ministers talked about decentralization, and the use of better rent structures and home ownership programs to encourage more government employees to become home owners.

They also “reviewed” standards of student achievement, curriculum development, language of instruction, and trades training in Nunavut.

The communiqué contains a vague statement saying that their approach to education will make community, teacher education and curriculum development the “building blocks” of Nunavut’s education system.