Akeeagok, PM discuss housing, possible transfer of powers to Nunavut in Ottawa meeting

This story was updated on October 25, 2022 at 4:55 p.m

Prime Minister PJ Akeeagok and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau discussed Nunavut’s housing crisis Monday in Ottawa.

Part of their conversation focused on the launch of the Nunavut 3000 strategy launched earlier this month by the Nunavut government and Nunavut Housing Corp. was founded with the aim of building 3,000 new residential units by 2030.

Joining the executives were Aluki Kotierk, President of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and James Eetoolook, Vice President.

In an interview with Nunatsiaq News, Akeeagok said that GN and NTI have jointly requested $500 million from the federal government to fund the Nunavut 3000 strategy and the Nunavut Inuit Housing Action Plan.

“The bilateral meeting was very positive, we had very good talks with the Prime Minister,” Akeeagok said.

“We have really done a lot as the area government and in partnership with NTI, who have also been very ambitious with their Inuit housing strategy.

“These two strategies fit together so well, which is really leading to building homes in the 25 communities that we serve.”

In a press release, Trudeau acknowledged how much collaboration it takes between the government and Inuit organizations to develop a project like this.

“[It’s] a positive step to advance progress on housing issues in the area,” he said.

Akeeagok and Trudeau also discussed working on a final Nunavut transfer agreement that would allow for the transfer of some powers and authorities from the federal government to the territory.

“We talked about the importance of concluding the agreement. We’re very optimistic that I think we’re on the right track,” said Akeeagok.

During his visit to Ottawa, the Prime Minister also met with representatives from the Kivalliq Inuit Association who were on Parliament Hill discussing the Kivalliq Hydro Fiber Link, which would bring clean energy and high-speed internet to five Nunavut communities.

Akeeagok also made a surprise appearance at his alma mater, Nunavut Sivuniksavut, speaking to students at the downtown Inuit school.

“Actually, I was there 20 years ago until this year [my] First-year students, fresh out of Grise Fiord… going through the program myself has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” he said.

This story has been updated to include comments from an interview with Premier PJ Akeeagok