Mr. Speaker,
After Christmas, I and several other Cabinet members took the opportunity to visit Whale Cove and Chesterfield Inlet. Most recently, as we headed to Cambridge Bay for the Kitikmeot Trade Show, I visited Taloyoak.
I thank regular members Alexander Sammurtok, Joseph Quqqiaq, Deputy Premier Pamela Hakongak Gross, and Minister John Main for their invitations and organizational help, as well as for the warm welcomes.
Mr. Speaker, our 25 Nunavut communities are spread out over more than 2 million square kilometres. Each of these communities, whether small or large, see themselves at a great distance from the seat of government.
Nothing can replace meeting with municipal leaders on their home ground. This is where we learn about community innovations and community needs. I met with mayors Oliver Shipton, Simionie Sammurtok, Lenny Panigayak and Wayne Gregory and their councils.
From face-to-face conversations with leaders, students at our schools, and Elders, we learn details about our communities – even more so at community feasts. And tours allow us to appreciate our communities firsthand.
It’s not a surprise, Mr. Speaker, that each community emphasizes the need for more housing. We cannot build fast enough, yet I know Nunavut 3000 will make a difference – with 3000 new homes by 2030. By the end of 2024, each community will have new housing under constuction.
Each community was so warm and welcoming. Each visit will inform our work. Qujannamiik to all who shared their time with us.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.