Stephan Burnett
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 02/04) - Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik says Nunavut is poised for fast-paced growth and the people of the territory are ready for it.

Okalik touched on a wide range of topics including the new federal administration, the fishery, economic growth, building a well-educated workforce and protecting the environment.

Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik says he's comfortable with fast-paced growth in the territory.

"We're all going in the right direction. A lot of companies are very positive on Nunavut," said Okalik during an interview in his office at the Nunavut Legislative Building.

Okalik has a positive outlook on the potential for economic co-operation with Prime Minister Paul Martin's administration.

The Jean Chretien administration cut economic development in 1996. Now, Martin's administration has put more money in, said Okalik.

"During the Chretien years there was no hope in hell for devolution, and over the last few months we've already started talks with the new administration," he said.

Another step forward for Nunavut is the work the fishery industry is taking to keep control in the territory, said Okalik.

"Fisheries is another area where we've received support," said Okalik, referring to the recent hubbub surrounding the reflagging of two foreign-borne vessels.

Earlier this month a controversy erupted between the Baffin Fisheries Coalition (BFC) and the Atlantic Fishery over a decision made by Baffin Fisheries CEO Jerry Ward to contract the foreign vessels to assist in landing territory's quota for shrimp and turbot.

Okalik viewed the support by Fisheries and Oceans Minister Geoff Regan as another positive sign that Martin's administration is prepared to support Nunavut's desire for greater control over its fishery.

The possibility for fast-paced growth is a scenario which Okalik says he is comfortable with.

The Overview of Trends in Canadian Mineral Exploration states projected expenditures in the territory were $82 million in 2003.

Approximately 22 million acres of mineral claims, prospecting permits and exploration agreements were acquired by industry in 2002, an area larger than New Brunswick, the report states. The figures in 2003 are slightly lower at 15 million acres.

"We're in a positive situation. We have a very young population. We have an opportunity to do things that are positively focused," said Okalik in response to the potential for rapid growth in the mining industry.

Okalik says his first-term focus on education means many people are ready for coming economic development.

"In our first term, high school graduates throughout Nunavut were at record numbers. It has increased by over 31 per cent. We have students pursuing law and students in nursing programs," said Okalik.

The premier stated he is fully aware of the need for a representative workforce and for economic development initiatives throughout Nunavut to benefit the people of his land.

"We're trying to get a representative workforce, but those things take time. If we move at a faster pace I don't mind. Our population is young and we will need it in the future," he said.

Protecting the environment

Okalik says the strategy concerning the environment is to "look at each project as it comes."

Economic development projects "have a lasting effect on the environment and we do have strong views to retaining our culture and our language. We will not be afraid to express our concerns," he said.

The Nunavut Impact Review Board has been doing a fine job on the environmental front, the premier stated.