Nunavut forms partnership with province
Memorandum of understanding with Newfoundland and Labrador lays groundwork for further collaboration
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, July 27, 2015
NUNAVUT
Collaboration between the Government of Nunavut and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is set to increase in the future.
Premier Peter Taptuna signed a memorandum of understanding in St. John's, N.L., earlier this month. He hopes to further collaboration on Arctic ventures between Nunavut and the Newfoundland and Labrador government. - photo courtesy of Premier Peter Taptuna |
Premier Peter Taptuna was in St. John's, N.L., recently to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Paul Davis.
"It's more or less to cement our shared commitments and for better collaboration, information sharing and facilitation in our partnership," Taptuna told Nunavut News/North following the event.
Six key areas will become the focus as the two governments' work together - natural resources, education and training, transportation and infrastructure, culture and tourism, research and development and health care.
"We try to work with other jurisdictions when we have common goals and common objectives," said Taptuna, saying there is a history of collaboration between the two governments already.
Establishing the MOU furthers Newfoundland's Arctic Opportunities Initiative, which is aimed at promoting economic diversification by creating a collaborative environment where Northern and aboriginal communities can thrive, while also attracting international business opportunities.
A prime goal for both parties is increased economic activity in the Arctic.
"This new formal alliance with the Government of Nunavut will build upon our longstanding history of collaboration and further cement our province's position as the desired international location from which to base Arctic-related activities," stated Davis in a news release.
"This MOU will also provide further opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and institutions to establish partnerships and joint ventures with their counterparts in Nunavut. Helping to develop opportunities for local businesses makes Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live, work and raise a family."
His province has set up a website called the Arctic Path, which lays out its plans for the North. The site highlights ocean technology, oil and gas pipeline construction in the North, as well as research opportunities. Taptuna said a working partnership makes achieving common goals easier than going at them alone.
