Economic Growth. Representational by Anne Nygard-Otqa on unsplash
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A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok and Ontario Premier Doug Ford earlier this week deepened cooperation on a wide range of joint priorities, including health care, transportation, infrastructure and Indigenous relations, a news release has said.
“This agreement will strengthen our deep ties and expand opportunities to collaborate on a number of important areas, benefiting the people of Nunavut and Ontario. I want to thank Premier Akeeagok for his partnership and friendship, as we work together to build stronger economies and healthier communities,” Ford has said.
“For many Nunavummiut, Ontario is a primary travel hub…our governments can formalize this unique and longstanding relationship and jointly grow opportunities…a key priority of ur Katujjiluta mandate…Ontario can be a key partner in Canada’s nation-building efforts in the North, Akeeagok has said.”
With annual trade between Nunavut and Ontario valued at over $1 billion, Nunavut provides economic opportunities to Ontario through a mutually beneficial relationship in exchange for goods and public services not available in Canada’s North.
Building on this long standing partnership, while strengthening cultural ties between Ontario and Nunavut, this MOU explores opportunies for increased bilateral cooperation on initiatives related to industrial and community infrastructure, education and training for skilled labour, and shared interests in sustainable access to natural resources.
Led by senior officials appointed by each premier, a Cooperation and Implementation Committee will be established as part of the agreement to advance the joint priorities.
