NR 01-05 BUD ENG Reaction to GN Budget.doc

IQALUIT, Nunavut (February 27, 2001) Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) reacted strongly to the Budget presented by Minister Kelvin Ng to the Legislature today.

There is some good news in today’s Budget, said Paul Quassa, President of NTI, But we have serious concerns as well. Only half the houses will be built this year as last year and while several new schools will be built, funding for Inuit Language and Culture Programs and the Nunavut Teacher Education Program has been cut entirely.

Our main concern is the deficit, continued Quassa. This is the second deficit budget in a row and it is clearly because the Funding Formula with the Federal Government is not sufficient to effectively run the Government of Nunavut. NTI has always worked for and supported a strong and successful Government for our Territory and we will continue to work together with the Government to ensure its success. We encourage Premier Okalik, Minister Ng and their colleagues to push hard for a more equitable Formula Funding arrangement with the Federal Government.

As well as housing and education, NTI has concerns about funding for healthcare and staffing and how the government of Nunavut can meet its obligations under Article 23 to maintain a representative level of Inuit within the government work force.

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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
Tel: (867) 975-4900
Fax: (867) 975-4949