Landry makes unexpected visit to Nunavik

Police in Kuujjuaq say Quebec Premier Bernard Landry is expected to make a quick visit to Nunavik next week, and Nunavik’s leaders are hoping he will keep this date — although, as of press time, there was no official confirmation of the impending visit by the premier’s office.

Quebec’s new minister of native affairs, Rémy Trudel, is to accompany Landry, and has officially confirmed he will make the trip from Quebec City to Nunavik.

Landry and his entourage are to arrive in Kuujjuaq on April 8, where they will spend the night. On Tuesday, Landry will pay a call at the annual general meeting of Makivik Corporation in Tasiujaq.

In Tasiujaq, Landry will address the gathering and also sign a wide-ranging economic development agreement between Quebec, Makivik and the Kativik Regional Government.

This deal, negotiated in hush-hush talks in Quebec City, is reportedly similar in scope to the recent multi-billion-dollar deal signed between Quebec and the James Bay Cree in February.

Makivik president Pita Aatami is also hoping for some commitment from Landry that Quebec will move ahead on self-government negotiations for the region.

Next week’s visit to Nunavik marks Landry’s first visit to the region as premier. It is also the first time a Quebec premier has attended a Makivik AGM.

Landry, who became premier last spring, following the resignation of Lucien Bouchard, was last in Nunavik following the avalanche in Kangiqsualujjuaq on Jan. 1, 1999.

At that time, Landry was Quebec’s finance minister.