Three major parties respond directly to Nunavut premier’s letter

Three federal party leaders have responded directly to a letter from Nunavut’s premier, asking each leader to commit to a list of priorities specific to the territory.

The letter, sent to Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Party leader Elizabeth May on Sept. 19, also asks how each leader would “foresee relations with the Government of Nunavut” if they form government.

Trudeau and Singh had responded, Savikataaq told Nunavut’s legislative assembly on Friday, Oct. 18.

After the premier spoke, Nunatsiaq News reached out to Scheer and May to ask why they had not responded.

As of Oct. 21, election day, the Green Party told Nunatsiaq News they have responded to the premier’s letter, but did not provide a copy of that response.

Also after an initial request from Nunatsiaq News, a spokesperson for the Conservatives say they have provided a response through a blanket letter from Scheer to all of Canada’s premiers that outlines the party’s platform. That letter is not addressed to Savikataaq.

“As you are aware, Nunavut faces many complex issues that leave us disadvantaged and lagging compared to the rest of the country. It’s 2019 and our country—the greatest country in the world—is still not embracing an equal standard for every Canadian,” Savikataaq writes in his letter to the leaders.

His letter outlines the Government of Nunavut’s territory-specific priorities for the next federal government, including housing, infrastructure, economic development, energy and fibre optic cable corridors, education and Inuktut.

“I look to you, as leader of your party, for an informed and specific plan on how you will help Nunavut in these critical areas,” Savikataaq writes.

Savikataaq also notes the recently signed agreement in principle to devolution, which the Liberals signed off on this August.

“Is your party ready to commit the resources, funds, time, energy and patience to make itself an Arctic nation, in every sense of the word? I sincerely hope so,” Savikataaq concludes.

Liberal Party response

The Liberals’ response, addressed to Savikataaq, is signed by the Liberal Party, not by Trudeau.

The four-page response outlines investments made under the Liberal government, including preparatory work on the Grays Bay Road and Port Project and the expansion of Rankin Inlet’s airport terminal, announced earlier this summer.

It also notes the recently announced $47.5 million over five years to support the construction of an addictions and trauma treatment facility in Iqaluit and the $265 million over 10 years to build new and affordable homes across the territory.

“We are also pleased to be working with your government to introduce a new Canada Housing Benefit for people living in Nunavut, which will provide direct support to families and people in need,” the letter states.

In response to Savikataaq’s line about education, the letter lists the $125.5 million over 10 years in the 2019 budget for an Inuit-led post-secondary education strategy.

And in response to the premier’s point about Inuktut-language funding, the letter cites the Nunavut Partnership Table on Language and Education.

“As you know, we are already collaborating with your government and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, through the Nunavut Partnership Table on Language and Education, on an agreement that will support, revitalize and strengthen Inuktut in Nunavut,” it states.

NDP response

The NDP’s response, signed by leader Jagmeet Singh, also runs four pages long.

Singh’s letter to Savikataaq lists each of the premier’s priorities and provides a reply beneath each one.

“Nunavut has unique people, unique cultures, and unique needs, for which there is no universal, top-down approach,” writes Singh.

Singh says the NDP would work with federal investments already made in Nunavut infrastructure and commits to creating a Northern Infrastructure Fund.

Singh also commits to creating more homes in Nunavut over the next 10 years and promises to streamline the application process and immediately provide “fast-start funds to help communities get the expertise and assistance they need to get projects off the ground now.”

On mental health and addictions treatment, Singh acknowledges Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami’s national Inuit suicide prevention strategy and says the NDP would create a national suicide prevention action plan.

Singh also says he would work with the Liberals’ Arctic policy framework and adopt an Inuit Nunangat policy in full partnership with ITK.

In response to Savikataaq’s line about Inuktut, Singh says the NDP will support the education and promotion of Inuktut and will ensure that Inuktut speakers can receive services from the federal government in their own language.

“In partnership with ITK and communities in Nunavut, we will support investments in education and work towards the creation of an Arctic university. We also recognize the unique language needs of Nunavummiut,” he writes.

Green Party response

The Green Party response, uploaded to the premier’s website after Savikataaq made his statement Oct. 18, is signed by party leader Elizabeth May.

Like the NDP’s response, it specifically addresses each priority outlined in the premier’s letter.

May says a Green government would increase investments in “our northern coast,” including search and rescue and modern infrastructure.

“This includes a defence policy review to ensure our Arctic coastline is properly surveilled. We also must collaborate with other circumpolar nations on the emerging issues of fisheries policies, while prohibiting further fossil fuel extraction,” May writes.

The response also applauds the Liberals’ progress made on devolution and commits to continuing toward a final agreement.

“We will respect all rights that Indigenous rights holders have over self-defined and self-governed lands; we will respect Inuit sovereignty over Inuit Nunagat,” May writes.

May also outlines her party’s platform on mental health, including $1 billion annually for community treatment programs and another $100 million annually for a suicide prevention strategy. The Green Party would also create a cabinet position on mental health.

On health care, May notes her party’s plan for universal pharmacare and free dental care for low-income Canadians.

In response to Savikataaq’s line about education, May says she would invest in retraining and apprenticeship programs for trades workers.

“The fact that many Northerners have to go south for training highlights the need for more made-in-Nunavut solutions and higher education. We believe the North can help lead in this sector and help to diversify the economy,” she writes.

May also acknowledges the need for stronger Inuktut education, and says the Greens would “strengthen it through greater investment in Indigenous languages, and better funding for culturally-relevant primary education.”

Today, Oct. 21, is election day.