Nunavut deserves same resource deal as Nfld.
Recently Prime Minister Martin, while in Brazil, explained his long-term vision for the evolution of Canada’s three territories.
That this is in the news at all is good news. The issue of provincehood is old, but times have changed. In Nunavut we have the land claim agreement and our regulatory authorities are in place. People, by and large, know what they want in terms of development and how it should proceed, id est
, in a sustainable manner.
What the territories need now are revenues from royalties without diminishing federal transfer payments. Provincehood can follow. Is it that simple?
Yes it is. Just ask Premier Williams of Newfoundland and Labrador or the territorial premiers.
Simply put, royalties will create infrastructure which will in turn attract development, much of it from within Nunavut by Nunavummiut. Give Nunavut the same deal as Newfoundland and Labrador. A simple solution to a simple problem.
Paternalistic attitudes lumbered on over the last decade. Mr. Martin’s words should serve both as advice to his senior bureaucrats and as an invitation to move expeditiously on resource issues – including our fish!
Who will take action for Nunavut?
Duncan Cunningham
Pond Inlet
(0) Comments