NR 02-11 REV ENG NNI Review.doc
(April 12, 2002 – Iqaluit, Nunavut) A review undertaken by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc (NTI) and the Government of Nunavut (GN) examining the first year of NNI Policy implementation was released today.
The NNI Policy was developed by GN in partnership with NTI to replace the Business Incentive Plan inherited from GNWT. It came into effect on April 1, 2000. In order to measure progress, a framework for periodic reviews is included as part of the policy.
One of the things agreed at that time was that an annual review of NNI operations be done by both parties. The first of these reviews is now complete, done jointly by NTI Department of Business Development and GN Public Works and Supply, with representation from GN Intergovernmental Affairs, Kakivak Association, the Regional Inuit Associations and the business community.
We are pleased that NTI was able to work collaboratively with GN to complete this review, said NTI Vice President of Finance Paul Kaludjak. It provides a good basis for developing baseline data and makes very clear that significant research needs to be done in a number of areas before a full baseline can be established. This is the first time this kind of review has been attempted and it was difficult work.
Over a six month period, the Review group received submissions from the public, conducted a survey of businesses and reviewed government contract data for 2000-2001 to gather the information needed to provide a good analysis and relevant recommendations.
This is a good, if limited start to a process that will be repeated on a regular basis, said NTI President Cathy Towtongie. It is unfortunate that the GN Cabinet chose this moment to ignore both process and policy, not to mention the Land Claims Agreement itself, in its recent decision regarding the grandfathering clause of NNI. This review – developed jointly by GN and NTI – makes 14 significant recommendations but makes no mention of the need to extend the grandfathering clause. It is difficult to remain optimistic about the review process, or about the NNI Policy itself, when one of the authors ignores it.
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For further information:
Alan R. Vigoda
Director of Communications
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, NU
Tel: (867) 975-4900
Fax: (867) 975-4943 Paul Irngaut
Executive Liaison & Public Relations Advisor
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
Iqaluit, NU
