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Executive Council
May 16, 2013

Joint Cabinet Meeting Further Strengthens Relationship between
Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments

The Provincial Cabinet and members of the Nunatsiavut Government Executive Council met today in St. John’s, further strengthening the relationship between the two governments and allowing for discussion on a number of priority areas of mutual interest.

“We continue to have a great government-to-government relationship with the Nunatsiavut Government – one built on respect, cooperation and a shared vision of a prosperous Nunatsiavut region,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. “A wide range of issues was discussed today, with commitments for further collaboration on challenges and opportunities for Inuit and communities. I am particularly excited about Arctic opportunities and the shared commitment of both governments to furthering the goals of the provincial Arctic Opportunities Initiative and developing an Arctic Action Plan.”

Topics discussed included Arctic opportunities, Inuit education and housing, Adult Basic Education, assumption of Provincial Government programs and services by the Nunatsiavut Government, Voisey’s Bay underground mining, and the protection of the George River and Torngat Mountains caribou herds.

“I believe our meeting was very constructive,” said President Sarah Leo, “It is important that both governments continue to work together on issues of mutual concern and benefit. As a government, we intend to forge ahead by taking a proactive approach to dealing with the concerns of beneficiaries of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and our communities, while being ever mindful of the need to protect our culture, language and identity. We look forward to building on the positive relationship we have already established with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Muskrat Falls hydroelectricity project was also discussed in relation to research and monitoring, as well as employment on the project. Another topic included the Nunatsiavut Government’s Sustainable Communities Initiative aimed at finding ways to adapt to climate change in northern Labrador.

Further information about discussion topics and meeting outcomes are outlined in the backgrounder below.

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca
 
Tracey Boland
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 697-3128
traceyboland@gov.nl.ca
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582
bert_pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com
 

BACKGROUNDER
Outcomes of Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments’ Joint Cabinet Meeting

Arctic Opportunities
The Provincial Government established the Arctic Opportunities Initiative in 2010 aimed at promoting economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador and, positioning the province as a gateway to the Arctic and hub for Arctic activities. Both governments agreed to continue to work together to advance Arctic opportunities and the development of an Arctic Action Plan. Responsible Ministers of the Nunatsiavut Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will seek to meet with the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Chair of the Arctic Council, to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador’s Arctic issues are reflected and represented in the Arctic Council agenda and profile and advance Arctic opportunities in this province.

Education
The Provincial and Nunatsiavut Government ministers responsible for education have committed to meet with the Chair of the National Committee on Inuit Education this fall to discuss the National Strategy on Inuit Education.

Housing
Ministers discussed the Nunatsiavut Housing Needs Assessment which both governments cost-shared with the Government of Canada. It was noted that the data has been collected and is currently being assessed. Both governments agreed to continue collaborative work in this area.

Energy Security
Ministers acknowledged that mineral development in the region could afford the opportunity for interconnection to neighbouring communities to access renewable energy.

Assumption of Provincial Programs and Services by the Nunatsiavut Government
The governments discussed the opportunities for collaborating on the devolution of selected provincial programs to the Nunatsiavut Government. Devolution was one of the principles of the self-government process.

Both governments will continue to explore appropriate processes for the devolution of delivery of programs and services, including foster care recruitment, out-of-home placements for children and youth in care, exploration of traditional adoptions and other related services. The Provincial Government and the Nunatsiavut Government are committed to pursuing program and service delivery solutions through the Planning Circles established with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2012.

Voisey’s Bay Development
Ministers received an update on the status of the amended development agreement which will facilitate underground mining at Voisey’s Bay. There was also a discussion on the expanded economic and employment opportunities this will generate for Inuit.

Muskrat Falls
The Nunatsiavut Government provided an update to the Provincial Government on its ongoing research program to study the downstream effects of the Lower Churchill Generation Project.

2013 05 16                                1:05 p.m.

 
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