Nunavut Passes Groundbreaking Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act

For Immediate Release

Iqaluit, Nunavut (May 15, 2013) – Following almost three years of public engagement involving communities, Inuit organizations, the private sector and government, the Nunavut Legislative Assembly passed Bill 59 – the Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act – a groundbreaking approach to inclusive policy development for poverty reduction.

“Poverty reduction is a Tamapta priority and the introduction of the Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act was a commitment of my government,” said Premier Eva Aariak. “I am very pleased that the Legislative Assembly has passed this Act. It is very important that the work we need to do to reduce poverty extend beyond the term of any one government.”

The Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act requires the Government of Nunavut to:

Participate as a partner with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Inuit organizations, other governments, non-government organizations and businesses on the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction to implement The Makimaniq Plan and the five-year poverty reduction action plan in a manner consistent with Article 32 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement.

“This Act will ensure that the Government works in collaboration with others to produce a long-term poverty reduction action plan,” said Monica Ell, Minister of Family Services. “We recognize that to reduce poverty, we must work in partnership. Everyone has a role to play.”

The Act received the unanimous support of the Nunavut Legislative Assembly.

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Media Contact:
Andres Ibanez
Communications Specialist
Department of Family Services
867-975-7821
aibanez@gov.nu.ca

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Backgrounder

Highlights of the Collaboration for Poverty Reduction Act:

• Requires the Government of Nunavut (GN) to co-chair, with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction (NRPR), as established in a Memorandum of Understanding signed on October 24, 2012.
• Creates a Minister responsible for poverty reduction.
• Ensures the Government works with others to create a five-year poverty reduction action plan, including definitions and measures for poverty.
• Creates a poverty reduction fund to support ongoing collaboration, and facilitates the development of community initiatives and emerging networks bringing together organizations and individuals committed to reducing poverty in the territory.
• Ensures that the Government reports regularly to the Assembly on the results of its work on theroundtable, and on the budget measures and government programs, policies and initiatives to reduce poverty.

The Nunavut Roundtable for Poverty Reduction will meet in Iqaluit on June 10-12, 2013. Minister of Family Services, Monica Ell, and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. Vice-President, Jack Anawak, will co-chair the roundtable.

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