Stepping in a new direction
Fourth assembly's mandate focuses on working together to achieve true self-reliance
Laura Busch
Northern News Services
Published Monday, March 31, 2014
IQALUIT
If Nunavummiut are to achieve true self-reliance and address ongoing social strife caused by past trauma in the next 20 years, they will have to work together.
This was the main message presented by Nunavut Commissioner Edna Elias as she read the speech from the throne in the legislative assembly on March 20.
The speech, also known as the commissioner's address, outlines the guiding principles for Nunavut's fourth territorial government.
"As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the creation of Nunavut, we take pride in our young, dynamic territory that is rich in culture and history. With confidence, we are moving forward with the knowledge that Nunavut is on the edge of change. However, we are acutely aware that pressing challenges still remain," stated Elias.
At the helm of a territory stricken with social ailments and poverty, but one that also displays unlimited potential for future prosperity for its residents, the fourth assembly is in a unique position to pave the way for positive change in the lives of Nunavummiut, she said.
Government cannot achieve these goals alone, said Premier Peter Taptuna.
"We need partners that share the vision and are committed to working collaboratively towards it," he stated. "We are seeking to work constructively with our stakeholders and partners in a spirit of sustained, active co-operation, as intended by the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement."
"Sivumut Abluqta, our mandate, endeavours to make Nunavut a better place for our children, grandchildren and all Nunavummiut," stated Elias.
Nunavut covers one fifth of Canada's land mass and boasts one of the fastest-growing and youngest populations in Canada, where more than 30 per cent of residents are younger than 15 years old.
However, with the lowest graduation rate in the country, the future of Nunavummiut youth is uncertain.
Sivumut Abluqta: Stepping Forward Together, reiterates the government's commitment to education as a path for future employment and self-reliance. Specifically, the fourth assembly has pledged to review and update the Education Act, promote early childhood education, work with the district education authorities to promote parental involvement in schools and ensure all of the territory's schools provide safe and welcoming environments for students.
Sivumut Abluqta also makes commitments to reform social assistance in Nunavut "to ensure those who truly need the support receive it."
Nunavut's current government faces many of the same obstacles of those that came before it in terms of mental health issues, high crime rates, rampant food insecurity and chronic overcrowding.
It will also face a new challenge: the restriction on the Alienation of Municipal Lands is set to expire in 2015.
"It means Nunavummiut are in a position to determine, by referendum, its outcome for the future," stated Elias.
After outlining the current government's dreams for a self-reliant Nunavut, Elias echoed Taptuna's sentiments that these goals cannot be achieved in a vacuum.
"Government cannot achieve its vision alone," she said.
"We need partners that understand the unique challenges of our majestic landscape. We want to see our culture flourish and see our communities grow in a healthy and sustainable way."
