Northern Leaders React to Federal Budget
Iqaluit, Nu. – Following federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s release of the budget in March all three territories are reacting what’s in it for them.
Budget 2019 contains specific commitment to support an addictions treatment centre in Nunavut, in partnership with the Government of Nunavut (GN) and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.
“I am pleased to see support for an addictions treatment centre,” says Nunavut Finance Minister George Hickes. “We were expecting more around housing and telecommunications, especially given our longstanding infrastructure deficit. The lack of Nunavut-specific measures is disappointing, and remains critical in successful nation-building.”
In the NWT, Premier Bob McLeod welcomed funding for several territorial projects and priorities.
“The initiatives outlined in the budget that are specific to the NWT demonstrate that the Government of Canada understands our priorities are centered on closing the infrastructure gap,” says McLeod. “It’s no secret that the Taltson Hydroelectricity Project is an important one for the GNWT. I am particularly pleased to see $18 million allocated in the budget to support planning for what I believe will be a game changer for energy in the NWT. But, that is not the only highlight in the budget which will benefit the people of the NWT and our sister territories more broadly. There are a number of initiatives that will have a significant impact on our economy and residents of the North such as the $400 million commitment in the Arctic Energy fund.”
In Yukon, Liberal Premier Sandy Silver was also supportive of the financial plan.
“We are pleased to see investments in education, infrastructure, and renewable energy and a commitment to advancing economic reconciliation reflected in the Government of Canada’s 2019-20 Budget,” says Silver. “The budget includes proposed funding of $1.4 billion over seven years allocated for Loan Forgiveness and Reimbursement for Comprehensive Land Claims Negotiations … we are tremendously pleased to see it addressed.” ABQ
