August 20, 2012

Infrastructure a regional priority Nunavut and Greenland premiers agree

IQALUIT, NUNAVUT

The premiers of Nunavut and Greenland highlighted new infrastructure as an urgent priority for the economic development of both regions in a recent discussion about strengthening their Arctic communities.

Over a three-day period, Nunavut premier Eva Aariak and Greenland premier Kuupik Kleist focused on economic issues and ways in which Nunavut and Greenland, part of the Danish Kingdom, can work together to build their respective economies, seize global opportunities and strengthen the self-reliance of Arctic communities.

The premiers agreed that the economic development of their regions depends on ongoing improvements in infrastructure, specifically transportation, telecommunications, energy generation and housing.

They identified new infrastructure as one of the most urgent priorities for their economic development. They also expressed their commitment to work with the private sector to develop the infrastructure that will fuel economic growth and contribute to the long-term well-being of Arctic communities.

The premiers noted that the return of bi-weekly commercial flights between Iqaluit and Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, reinforces their economic relationship. The premiers are hopeful that the air link will be sustainable into the future. The flights began on June 15 and run until Sept. 3, according to published media reports, and will take an hour and 45 minutes, much shorter than flying from Iqaluit to Ottawa, then to Nuuk via Copenhagen or Reykjavik.

Aariak and Kleist also acknowledged the importance of skills training to ensure that Kalaallit and Nunavummiut have the qualifications to benefit from the full range of opportunities the Arctic economy has to offer.

They said that the establishment of training programs alongside the resource economy in both regions will create new opportunities for exchanges of workers across the border.

The premiers asserted that the people of Greenland and Nunavut are in the best position to make decisions regarding the development, management and protection of the resources within their respective boundaries. The devolution of control over lands, waters and resources is, therefore, essential to the on-going development of Greenland and Nunavut.

Aariak and Kleist agreed that the responsible development of natural wealth, including minerals, oil and natural gas is crucial to restoring the economic self-reliance of Arctic communities. They emphasized that development must go hand in hand with high standards of environmental protection.

The premiers also spoke of exploring new trade opportunities in the area of locally harvested foods and their support of indigenous peoples’ status as Permanent Participants in the Arctic Council.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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