Iqaluit (Dec 20/04) - A commitment to beginning Nunavut's devolution talks, and a new strategy for the development of Canada's territories were among the announcements made by Paul Martin last week.

During a Dec. 14, press conference, the prime minister spoke about his government's development of a Northern strategy.

"Over the course of the next decade, the North will be an area of major economic activity with projects of national significance producing benefits for Northerners," Martin said.

First mentioned in the throne speech, the federal government now has the strategy's framework in place.

The final strategy is expected to include a Northern vision statement and policy positions in areas such as the environment, social issues, preservation of culture, Arctic sovereignty and others.

Those with an interest in the strategy's outcome will be consulted in the coming months.

A spring 2005 completion date has been set.

As part of the strategy, the government has committed $40 million for each of the territories to spend how they see fit.

Martin said he would like to complete Nunavut's devolution agreement by 2008, and to open talks before the end of next year.

The Yukon has already received a transfer of powers through devolution and the NWT is on its way.

"I'm impressed by the track record you have set on the North," said premier Paul Okalik, noting Nunavut is far behind the rest of the country in terms of basic infrastructure.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Paul Kaludjak was in the front row during the prime minister's presentation and said there is reason for cautious optimism.

"It gave us a new sense of hope for development for the North," Kaludjak said.

"This time around we're hoping that the government will live up to its announcement."