Two million square kilometers of land and water will be handed over to Nunavut (North) from Canada’s federal government, marking the largest land transfer in the country’s history. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signed the agreement on Thursday, January 18, allowing the local government of Nunavut to take control of lands in this resource-rich Arctic region.
“Our land and resources are now in the hands of our people”Nunavut’s Premier PJ enjoyed Akigok.
Created in 1999, the region, which is almost four times the size of France, has reserves of gold, precious stones, minerals, rare earths, as well as oil and gas. And today, global warming makes the Arctic region more accessible for mining and shipping. It is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions in the world with about 40,000 inhabitants, most of whom are Inuit.
“This is a place rich in culture, traditional knowledge, essential minerals and other resources that we need to build tomorrow’s economy together”Justin Trudeau declared, mention “An Important Moment in Nunavut’s History” And “In the History of the Country”.
“More Prosperity”
After decades of negotiations, the agreement must be implemented within the next three years.
“With this increased control, you will have more say and you will experience greater prosperity” The Canadian head of government made the announcement to Inuit representatives during a ceremony in Iqaluit, Nunavut’s capital. In addition to transferring responsibility for lands and resources to Nunavut, the territory gets the right to collect royalties.
In the 1960s, Ottawa began gradually transferring responsibilities for health, education and social services to its Arctic regions (which do not have provincial status). Nunavut is the last territory after the Yukon and Northwest Territories. Absolute control over his lands.
