Ottawa (Apr 10/06) - The Conservative government's lack of Nunavut issues in last week's throne speech left Nunavut MP Nancy Karetak-Lindell "disheartened."

The throne speech outlined the Conservatives' agenda for Canada, but Nunavut was left out.

"It's always nice to hear the word 'North' in a throne speech. There was not much on aboriginal Canadians either. We wanted to see where they were going to go with the Kelowna agreement, with the residential schools settlement," said Karetak-Lindell.

Karetak-Lindell believes that the North is "not on the Conservatives' radar," but Jim Prentice - Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs - has promised to head North early in his term.

Prentice sits next to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Karetak-Lindell likes the way that looks, but wants to see more action.

"The optics are good, but it is the results that I look for. It's a wait and see," she said.

Cracking down on crime is a Conservative priority, which brings out mixed feelings for Karetak-Lindell.

"We have an unproportionally high number of people ending up in the justice system. I can't say this (new crime laws) isn't a good thing for Nunavut, but there are so many people who come into contact with the wrong side of the law," said Karetak-Lindell.

Child care was another election platform plank that made it into the throne speech. Under the Conservative plan, families will receive the money to use on child care, instead of child care centres.

"I remember the days of juggling duties and funds. What if you need that money to pay for your fuel? I might not spend it on child care. Plus, that is a taxable benefit. It is not another family allowance," said Karetak-Lindell.