IQALUIT, Nunavut (October 18, 2010) – The Honourable Eva Aariak, Premier of Nunavut, and James Eetoolook, Acting President, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., today announced they have joined forces to combat poverty in Nunavut. They are inviting all Nunavummiut to get involved.
“To reduce poverty is a priority for this government,” said Premier Aariak. “Poverty affects us all, and it will take every one of us to meet this challenge. Together we’ll ensure Nunavut has a realistic plan to reduce poverty over the next two years, and to eliminate poverty in the long-term.”
James Eetoolook noted that NTI offered to work with the government on poverty reduction when the initiative was announced in March this year. “NTI’s immediate reaction was to offer to work with the government and other partners to prepare and implement a poverty reduction strategy for Nunavut,” he said.
The poverty reduction strategy will be completed by the end of 2011. It will be prepared in three stages: a community dialogue in every community; regional roundtables; and, a final poverty summit in Iqaluit. The result will be the preparation and implementation of a poverty reduction strategy for Nunavut.
The process will supported by a leadership team made up of representatives from government, Inuit organizations, non-profit organizations and the business community. Economic Development & Transportation Minister Peter Taptuna will represent the Government of Nunavut.
“This winter we want to hear from all Nunavummiut about poverty in our communities,” said Taptuna. “Our poverty reduction plan will succeed when we get the participation of everyone: citizens, non-profits, businesses, Inuit organizations and governments at all levels.”
Premier Aariak and A/President Eetoolook have written to each municipality to invite them to provide an opportunity to members of their community to express their views on poverty. Meetings will be held in every community over the next four months to ensure all voices will be heard.
“We want communities to play a leading role in this process,” said Minister Taptuna. “The government and NTI will provide the support to ensure a dialogue on poverty occurs in every Nunavut community. Everyone must be a participant in the preparation of this strategy.”
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For more information, contact:
Franco Buscemi
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated
Tel: (867) 975-4939 Toll-free: 1-888-646-0006
fbuscemi @ tunngavik.com
Emily Woods
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
(867) 975-5059
