What’s new at the GN?

Premier Paul Okalik and senior staff within the government of Nunavut announced more than a new cabinet this week.

They also announced three new departments, and the disappearance of two old departments, Sustainable Development and Public Works.

Here’s what they’ve done:

* Department of the Environment: this department is made of the environment-related units that used to be under the former Department of Sustainable Development – such as wildlife management and conservation.

Olayuk Akesuk will serve as minister of this new department, with Simon Awa as his deputy minister.

* Department of Economic Development and Transportation: this department will be made up of the business-related functions of the old Department of Sustainable Development, such as mining, and the GN’s various grant and loan programs for business. It will also take on the responsiblity for transportation that was held by the old community government and transportation department.

David Simailak will serve as minister, with Alex Campbell as his deputy minister.

* Department of Community and Government Services: this department will retain responsibility for municipal governments, and absorb the old Public Works department.

Peter Kilabuk will serve as minister of this new department, with Tom Rich as his deputy.

* Qulliq Energy Corporation: the creation of this entity isn’t entirely new, but it’s clear the the territorial government is moving forward with it. The QEC will be responsible for the old Nunavut Power Corp., and for the functions performed by the old Petroleum Products Division of the former Department of Public Works.

David Simailak will serve as minister responsible for the Qulliq Energy Corp., and Bobby Gunn will move from DPW to become its president.