May 4, 2015 – Ottawa, Ontario – Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
Minister Valcourt, Minister Aglukkaq, NTI President Towtongie and Premier Taptuna sign agreement to mark greater economic opportunity in the North.
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, along with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today took part in a signing ceremony with the Honourable Peter Taptuna, Premier of Nunavut, and Cathy Towtongie, President of the Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, to significantly advance the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and foster economic opportunities in the North.
Canada, NTI and the Government of Nunavut have negotiated a way forward that puts past differences to rest, clears the way for improvements on the implementation of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement so that Inuit of Nunavut to become greater partners to unlock economic opportunities and create jobs in Nunavut.
Next steps include additional resources directed to: activities to increase Inuit employment in the Government of Canada and the Government of Nunavut; updating and maintaining Canada’s Nunavut Inuit Labour Force Analysis; implementing initiatives to support government Inuit employment plans and pre-employment plans; and, the creation of the Nunavut Inuit Training Corporation by Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, which will provide funding and support for training, skills development and qualifications which will prepare Inuit for the workforce.
Emily Hillstrom
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development
819-997-0002
Media Relations
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada
819-953-1160
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