Executive Council
May 26, 2014

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs:

Minister Congratulates Nunatsiavut Government on Recent Election

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to congratulate the newly elected and re-elected Members of the Nunatsiavut Assembly. Congratulations are also extended to all those who put themselves forward as candidates in the May 6 election. It takes a great amount of hard work and commitment to run in an election and all 23 candidates should be recognized.

The Nunatsiavut Government was established on December 1, 2005. In addition to the Nunatsiavut Government, there are also five Inuit Community Governments representing the communities of Nain, Hopedale, Postville, Makkovik and Rigolet. Self-government was, and continues to be, a tremendous accomplishment and has thrived.

Mr. Speaker, since 2005, the Provincial Government and the Nunatsiavut Government have continued to make great strides toward a strong, meaningful and collaborative relationship.

In May 2013, President Leo and the Nunatsiavut Executive Council traveled to St. John’s to meet with the provincial Cabinet to discuss priority areas that affect both governments including, among many other topics, education and housing. As well, earlier this year President Leo met with a series of Provincial Government ministers individually.

Our government continues to work collaboratively with the Nunatsiavut Government to ensure that a positive working relationship prevails.

In April of this year, the Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation visited Nain to announce a partnership between the Nunatsiavut Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation to assist low-income private homeowners in Inuit communities to complete major home renovations. The Nunatsiavut Government and Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation each contributed $350,000 to this program for a total investment of $700,000.

Mr. Speaker, this is a positive investment that will bring benefits to the Inuit and captures the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that exists between our governments.

Please join me, again, in congratulating Inuit on their Election. As the Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, I very much look forward to working with the elected Members in the future.

Thank you; Nakummek.

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2014 05 26                                        1:55 p.m.