Québec, December 5, 2007 – The government of Québec, the government of Canada and Makivik Corporation have just taken an unprecedented step by signing the agreement-in-principle on the creation of the Nunavik Regional Government. Giving tangible form to Inuit aspirations, the agreement-in-principle draws the outlines of a new form of regional government adapted to the needs of Nunavik and, in so doing, marks a step towards the assumption of greater responsibility by Inuit communities. This agreement-in-principle builds on the James Bay and Northern Québec Agreement.
The first step of a broader process, the agreement-in-principle proposes the creation of a new form of public regional government adapted to the needs of Nunavik. This regional government will be headed by an Assembly made up of 21 members, including an executive council composed of five members elected by the population of the entire region. The future institution of Nunavik will hold the jurisdictions and the powers of the three amalgamated organizations, notably in the education, health, public safety and transportation fields. These organizations are the Kativik Regional Government, the Kativik School Board, and the Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services.
"The agreement-in-principle signed today is at the heart of our desire to promote, as never before, the socioeconomic development of the Inuit communities. It aims to build an efficient government institution truly adapted to the needs of Nunavik. First and foremost, it testifies to the continuation of the profound ties of friendship that exist between Québec and the Inuit," indicated Québec Premier Jean Charest.
"In conjunction with the governments of Canada and of Québec, it is by maximizing our efforts and pooling our resources that we will be able to more effectively advance the regional priorities of Nunavik and significantly improve the living conditions of our communities. I am confident that together and in the wake of the amalgamation of our public institutions and the creation of a new government, we will succeed in building a better Nunavik for the greater good of our communities and our children," stated Mr. Pita Aatami, President of Makivik Corporation.
Finally, it should be emphasized that the future regional institution will respect the authority of the Québec National Assembly and of the Parliament of Canada.