Newly appointed Chief Federal Representative for Nunavut devolution with the Honourable ChuckStrahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Canada and FederalInterlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and The Honourable Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut.
Ottawa (January 15, 2009) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, together with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Nunavut, today announced the appointment of Bruce Rawson as Chief Federal Representative for Nunavut devolution.
"As we move forward with our Government's Northern Strategy, we are improving and devolving governance to give Northerners more control over their own destinies," said Minister Strahl. "The appointment of Mr. Rawson is real progress toward fulfilling this commitment as we work with our partners in Nunavut to place decision-making in the hands of the people of the territory."
"The people living in the North want to play a role in the development of the North," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Giving territories greater control of their destiny is an important piece of Canadian Arctic Sovereignty. We are working with the Government of Nunavut towards devolution."
"I am extremely pleased with Minister Strahl's announcement today of the appointment of Mr. Rawson" said Premier Aariak. "This will permit us to move forward with the negotiation process in the near future. A devolution agreement remains a priority for Nunavut and we will work with Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in making ourselves ready to be the managers and regulators of the resources on and beneath our lands and seabed. Today's appointment is a significant step towards that goal as well as a strategic approach to stimulating the economy and streamlining regulation of resource development in Nunavut."
"Devolution is an important part of the process of building Nunavut, which was part of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. I look forward to a devolution agreement that is good for all of us – Inuit, Nunavut, and Canada," said Paul Kaludjak, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated.
Biographical Note - Mr. Bruce Rawson
For more information, please contact:
Minister's Office
Nina Chiarelli
Canada Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl
(819) 997-0002
Media Relations
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
819-953-1160
Press Secretary
Office of Premier Eva Aariak
(867) 975-5059
A/Director Communications
Franco Buscemi
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
(867) 975-4939
