The government of Nunavut and quality of life.

• Author: Sweeney, Lorine
• Position: School's In

This School's In activity is designed to enable students to critically examine the Government of Nunavut in relation to a society's quality of life. The activities are suitable for Social Studies lessons from grades nine to eleven.

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Background

The Government of Nunavut

1. Nunavut has worked hard to achieve a consensus government that is responsible to the people it serves.

2. The public government has adopted the principles of the Canadian parliamentary system.

3. All residents are entitled to run for office; however, members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are elected on an individual rather than a party basis.

4. The MLAs meet and select the premier from among the elected members. This selection occurs shortly after the general election.

5. Based on the issues identified during the election, ministers are elected and the Premier assigns their portfolios.

6. Ministers and the Premier are required to consistently account and respond to Members' concerns as they work through the legislative and budget processes.

7. The system honours the Aboriginal values of maximum co-operation, effective use of leadership resources and common accountability, and blends these values with parliamentary democracy.

8. The government is guided by Inuit societal values applied through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit I.Q.) which is essential to the way the government conducts its affairs.

   Pinasuaqtavut and Quality of Life

   The first Government of Nunavut prepared a long-term plan that envisioned what life in Nunavut would be like in the year 2020. Government members prepared a statement of values and priorities called Pinasuaqtavut. The statement was designed to focus Inuit values, build strong communities, and to expand the economy. Essentially, Pinasuaqtavut goals were articulated to ensure a strong quality of life for Nunavut citizens.

   The four components of Nunavut Pinasuaqtavut are:

1. Healthy Communities: the need to ensure the overall health of Nunavut, encompassing all aspects of a community and its relationship to the land and its residents.

2. Simplicity and Unity: a commitment to ensuring process is kept accessible to the public, and encourages public participation in the government process.

3. Self-Reliance: the responsibility of individuals to themselves, to their family, and to their community.

4. Continuing Learning: the importance of a lifelong commitment to learning and development, and commits the Government to support such learning at the individual, community, and territorial...