Nunavut premier looks back on gov’t achievements as MLAs return for spring sitting
This will be the second last sitting before the October territorial election
Nunavut’s premier says he is looking back on the progress his government has made as the Legislative Assembly enters its final spring sitting.
The sitting begins Thursday and will be the second-last one before the territory goes into an election in October.
Premier P.J. Akeeagok said he knows there are some who feel there are issues his government was too slow to respond to.
“But there’s been work around huge advancements, around key areas like concluding some of the longstanding negotiations that have been ongoing,” he said.
“I look back to the devolution agreement being one of them, where it really is the next biggest chapter in the territory’s history.”
Elder care expected to be discussed in spring sitting
He said he expects subjects like elder care will be discussed in the legislature at this sitting.
Joe Savikataaq, the MLA for Arviat South, also expects elder care to be a focus.
Savikataaq said this is also the last chance to hold the government accountable for things they should have done.
“I think there’ll probably be lot of questions on housing, elder care strategy and the elder vans that appear to still not being used yet even though it’s been almost a year since they were purchased,” he said.
Akeeagok announced in October that five vans, meant to help elderly residents get around in their communities, were purchased for about $1 million by the territorial government. These were expected to be used in Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay, Coral Harbour, Pangnirtung and Rankin Inlet.
The MLAs are also expected to address a report from Canada’s Auditor General about public housing, which will be presented on Monday.
Savikataaq said he looks forward to reading the report.
“It’ll be interesting because housing’s been in the spotlight a lot,” Savikataaq said.
Changing portfolios and outstanding legislation
Iqaluit-Tasiluk MLA George Hickes said he has concerns over the constant changing of ministers’ portfolios.
The most recent shuffle occurred on May 13.
“I’ve had that responsibility. It typically takes six months to a year to really get your head wrapped around what you don’t know, never mind actually learn the intricacies of your responsibilities as a minister,” he said.
“With all the revolvement in this cabinet, I’m not surprised that we’re getting frustrated with the lack of responses that we’re getting.”
Then there’s outstanding legislation.
David Joanasie, the government house leader, said five government bills and one money bill need to be presented.
The session is scheduled to run until June 3.
With files from Matisse Harvey and TJ Dhir
Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Arctic energy, security on agenda as Western premiers meet in Yellowknife, CBC News
Denmark: Danish PM pledges to support Greenland against Trump pressure, Thomson Reuters
Finland: US, Norwegian forces in Lapland for rapid reinforcement exercise, The Independent Barents Observer
Iceland: Iceland’s FM announces defence review, calls revamped security policy ‘urgent’, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: NATO’s new air command center will be built in Bodø, Norway, CBC News
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Sweden: Sweden’s Armed Forces: Railways must function without modern technology, Radio Sweden
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