ᓄᓇᕗᑦ ᒐᕙᒪᖕᒐᓄᓇᕗᑦ ᒐᕙᒪᖕᒐ Government of Nunavut Nunavut Kavamanga Gouvernement du Nunavut www.gov.nu.ca

1 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut CONTENTS 2 Ikajuqtigiikta 3 P remier’s Message 4 Our Vision 6 I nuit Societal Values 8 Our Priorities 10 S trengthen and Uplift F amilies and Communities 13 D rive Local Economic Gr owth and Employment 14 Simplify O perations and E nhance Partnerships 16 I nvest in a Brighter Future f or all Nunavummiut 18 R eporting on Our Progress

2 Ikajuqtigiikta Let’s help each other

3 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut PREMIER’S MESSAGE We live in perilous and promising times. Here in Nunavut, the challenges of accelerating climate change, infrastructure deficits, housing shortages, intergenerational trauma, crime, and poverty shape the daily realities of our communities and people. These deeply-rooted and persistent issues are barriers to our economic and social development and to the long-term stability and security of Canada’s Arctic.

Matters of Arctic sovereignty are drawing national and international attention as Canada undertakes a nation-building exercise in response to growing geopolitical tensions. Our government is advocating for Nunavut to ensure that our distinct and pressing needs are reflected in the federal government’s plans for targeted investments and partnerships. I believe strongly in Piliriqatigiinniq – working together for a common purpose. Every government must continue to work on significant commitments made by earlier governments in order to achieve the intended benefits.

Our government will complete major infrastructure and housing projects that are already underway with partners. We also have the opportunity to set enduring directions and commitments for future governments through our leadership of the initial years of devolution and the 10-year Nunavut implementation contract. In the process of developing our government’s mandate, we heard from Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated, representatives of regional Inuit organizations, Elders, and all Members of the Legislative Assembly. Our goals and priorities are well-aligned.

We are calling our mandate Ikajuqtigiikta, which means “Let’s help each other. ” It’s hard work to raise a family, sustain a community, protect language and culture, and build a territory. As in any journey on land, sea or ice, we will advance further and faster by setting a clear direction together and sharing the heavy load. As Premier, I will aim to meet Nunavummiut where they are, recognizing strengths and helping to address needs. I will share the burdens, and the joys, as we help one another to move forward together. Matna. Premier John Main

4 Our Vision The vision driving the creation of Nunavut and the ongoing implementation of the Nunavut Agreement is a territory in which Inuit have a strong voice in governance and decision-making. Our government will work to strengthen Inuit self-determination and the social determinants of health as foundations for the future for all who call Nunavut home. A safe and healthy environment is essential to greater food security and economic growth. We envision a territory in which our lands, waters and ice support self-reliance and are protected for generations to come.

Our government will balance the need for economic development with environmental stewardship as we take on new responsibilities for Nunavut’s public lands, fresh waters and natural resources through devolution. Respect for intergenerational knowledge and guidance contributes to a successful society. We envision a territory in which Elders continue to share traditional values, knowledge, wisdom, and advice to strengthen Inuit language, culture and identity.

Our government will renew efforts to engage Inuit Elders in advising on Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and Inuit societal values in legislation, policy, programs, and government workplaces.

5 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut Y oung people represent more than the future – they are sources of advocacy, creativity and inspiration today. We envision a territory in which children and youth feel valued, contribute to strong relationships with family and community, participate in formal and informal learning, take pride in cultural identity, and have positive and fulfilling experiences of life. Our government will engage youth as partners in identifying youth priorities and shaping decisions that affect their lives. Engagement indicates that a community is thriving, despite the challenges it may face.

We envision a territory in which our community members are actively and meaningfully involved in community life and leadership. Our government will encourage and support Inuit-led initiatives to strengthen and sustain community vitality and well-being. Meaningful consultation, consensus decision-making and cooperative action help to ensure that no-one is left behind. We envision a safe and welcoming territory that achieves prosperity through well-coordinated, collective effort for the common good.

Our government will increase the reach and impact of investments by working in close collaboration with partners and stakeholders that share our interests.

6 We value Inuit traditional knowledge and will call on the wisdom of Elders to help us work collaboratively, in harmony and balance, towards a better future. Inuit Societal Values

7 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut Inuuqatigiitsiarniq Respecting others, relationships and caring for people. Tunnganarniq Fostering good spirits by being open, welcoming and inclusive. Pijitsirniq Serving and providing for family and/or community. Aajiiqatigiinniq Decision making through discussion and consensus. Pilimmaksarniq /Pijariuqsarniq Development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort. Piliriqatigiinniq / I kajuqtigiinniq Working together for a common cause. Qanuqtuurniq Being innovative and resourceful. Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment.

Our Priorities

9 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut We will increase the reach and impact of our investments and make progress in each of these areas by: ▶ Fulfilling and building on significant commitments made by earlier governments in order to achieve the intended, long-term benefits for Nunavummiut. ▶ Emphasizing realistic and practical action in the short term to improve the daily lives of Nunavummiut. ▶ Respecting and supporting Inuit-led initiatives to strengthen communities. ▶ Modernizing public service operations to improve efficiency and access. ▶ Encouraging communication, cooperation and collaboration within the Seventh Assembly, across the public service, and with our partners. ▶ Planning ahead for the benefit and well-being of generations to come.

Our government has identified four pillars to support and guide our priorities for action over the next four years: STRENGTHEN AND UPLIFT FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES DRIVE LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT SIMPLIFY OPERATIONS AND ENHANCE PARTNERSHIPS INVEST IN A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL NUNAVUMMIUT 1 2 3 4

10 STRENGTHEN AND UPLIFT FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES We will: • Improve protections for children at risk and other vulnerable persons. • Continue to expand access to quality early learning and child care. • Involve youth in contributing to our communities and in advising on matters related to the well-being of youth. • Modernize and promote resources to support sexual health, reproductive health and child-rearing. • Provide more health care services and elder care services closer to home.

Expand access to comprehensive, culturally-safe mental health, addictions and trauma services in the territory. • Invest in community-based programs and supports to improve food security, health, mental health, and well-being, and to encourage engagement in community life. • Support community-based programs and initiatives to prevent crime and improve community safety and security. • Work with Elders and other partners and stakeholders to promote, protect and advise on Inuit language, culture and cultural well-being in government programs, services and workplaces.

11 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut Actions that are already underway: We will continue to: • Implement the Ilagiitsiarniq Family Wellness Action Plan. • Implement the Early Learning and Child Care Quality Framework and Action Plan to 2033. • Implement the Aging With Dignity Elders and Seniors Strategy, including constructing a long-term care facility in Cambridge Bay. • Implement the Inuusivut Annirnaqtut Suicide Prevention Action Plan with partners. Legislation to be brought into force following the development of regulations: • Mental Health Act (2021) • Early Learning and Child Care Act (2025) • Pharmacy Professions Act

(2025) 13 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut DRIVE LOCAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EMPLOYMENT We will: • Promote and support the growth and development of small businesses, harvesters and artists in and across communities. • Strengthen key economic sectors and support Nunavut-based manufacturing. • Engage and support youth in attending school, graduating high school, and undertaking post-secondary education. • Provide more opportunities and supports for education, training and certification that lead to employment in local in-demand occupations and to independent living. • Build capacity in the public service and strengthen Inuit employment through decentralization, pre-employment training and addressing barriers to employment.

Actions that are already underway: We will continue to: • Implement the Mine Training Strategy with partners. • Implement Sanatujut Sanajiit: A Strategy for the Arts in Nunavut. • Deliver the Nunavut Teacher Education Program in communities, with the Government of Canada and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as partners. • Implement the Government of Nunavut (GN) Inuit Employment Plan and Pre-Employment Training Plans 2024 to 2034. Legislation to be brought into force following the development of regulations: • Apprenticeship and Certification Act (2021) • Post Secondary Student Support Act

(2025) 14 SIMPLIFY OPERATIONS AND ENHANCE PARTNERSHIPS We will: • Maintain fiscal discipline to ensure that public resources are allocated responsibly, while protecting essential services and priority initiatives. • Increase efficiency and improve access to government services and funding by simplifying and modernizing processes and systems. • Encourage and support GN departments and agencies to use innovative, collaborative and resourceful approaches to serving Nunavummiut. • Optimize human resource management programs and practices across the GN to strengthen the public service. • Collaborate with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated and Regional Inuit Associations to accelerate shared priority projects through the Nunavut Partnership Committee and its working groups. • Achieve shared goals faster by reducing duplication of efforts and working more efficiently across GN departments and with our partners. • Explore and implement ways to reduce the costs and time involved in construction in Nunavut, while maximizing benefits to the territorial economy.

15 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut Actions that are already underway: We will continue to: • Implement Service Nunavut to provide a client-centred approach to service delivery. • Make improvements to the operations of Local Housing Organizations.

16 INVEST IN A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR ALL NUNAVUMMIUT We will: • Demonstrate unity in our partnerships with Inuit organizations to advocate for Nunavut and Nunavut Inuit. • Ensure that Nunavut benefits from Arctic sovereignty and security initiatives. • Implement devolution to manage the stewardship of Nunavut’s public lands, fresh waters and natural resources for the long-term benefit of Nunavummiut. • Mitigate the impacts of our growing population, resource development and climate change in order to protect the environment and enable climate change adaptation. • Work closely with our partners to build more units across the housing continuum and develop the skills and capacity to support the additional housing. • Continue to build or replace critical infrastructure such as schools, power plants, health centres, airports, and tank farms. • Strengthen and develop transportation and telecommunications links and the availability of land, water and energy as key drivers of a diversified economy.

Actions that are already underway: We will continue to: • Implement the Nunavut Arctic Sovereignty and Security Strategy, with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as a partner. • Implement Nunavut 3000 ( Igluliuqatigiingniq – Building Houses Together). • Prepare for the opening of the Aqqusariaq Recovery Centre in Iqaluit, while completing construction. New legislation and legislation to be brought into force following the development of regulations: • New legislation to establish the legislative authorities needed to implement devolution. • Fuel Tax Act (2025) • Planning Act

(2025) 17 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut

Reporting on Our Progress

19 Ikajuqtigiikta Government of Nunavut Our mandate sets the direction for priority actions to be undertaken by Government of Nunavut departments and territorial corporations. The Government of Nunavut’s Business Plan covers a four-year period and is tied to the government’s mandate. It is a public document that is approved by Cabinet and debated in the Legislative Assembly. Departments and territorial corporations prepare their new business plans in support of the government’s mandate.

Each business plan: • Identifies the actions that the department or territorial corporation will take in response to the government’s priorities; and • Allows for reporting on tangible outcomes. Our government will prepare annual business plan progress reports in implementing our mandate.

Progress reports are public documents to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly. • Our first progress report will be presented within the first year of our mandate to establish a baseline for many of the priority actions. • The second and third annual progress reports will include any new actions that departments and territorial corporations are undertaking, following the approval of business cases. • Our fourth progress report will be tabled before the next general election in Nunavut as the final report on our government’s achievements and on strategic actions that are still underway.

We will supplement these annual reports by communicating more directly with Nunavummiut about specific actions and achievements as they occur.

ᓄᓇᕗᑦ ᒐᕙᒪᖕᒐᓄᓇᕗᑦ ᒐᕙᒪᖕᒐ Government of Nunavut Nunavut Kavamanga Gouvernement du Nunavut www.gov.nu.ca