Nunavut won’t stay quiet, Okalik vows

A delegation of representatives from the department of Indian and Northern affairs visited the legislative assembly last Wednesday, but they didn’t stay long.

They narrowly missed Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo’s question to Paul Okalik regarding the status of federal discussions with Nunavik about fishing rights.

“Makivik has written to us asking us to join the table and look at options that will be possible for all parties,” Okalik said, speaking as minister responsible for intergovernmental affairs and aboriginal rights.

“Our position continues to be that our rights here in Nunavut should not be overtaken by others outside of the territory off our waters.”

In addition, he said, the fisheries committee for the Atlantic Ocean made a recommendation that Nunavut fishing rights should be comparable to any Canadian fishing rights.

“I think the federal government is on notice that when these issues happen, we won’t stay quiet and let them happen. We will be there protecting Nunavut’s interests regardless of what they may be.”