Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology Minister, Tony Andersen handed down his last budget as Treasurer of the Fourth Nunatsiavut Assembly yesterday.
In housing, is a priority area for Nunatsiavut communities. The Government of Canada has committed an additional $7.5 million under the FFA for 2022-23 fiscal year, bringing the total amount for housing to $41 million. There are commitments of over $15 million to the home and emergency repairing programs in design and construction of senior’s units and quadplexes in Nain and Hopedale and a quadplex in Makkovik and for land development in Nunatsiavut.
In Language, revitalization Inuktitut is an upmost importance. The approval of Nunatsiavut Language Strategy Inuttitut UKâlluta, ilinniatitsiluta InosiKalluta and the associated funding allocated under Budget 2022-23 will build on the progress today of Labrador Inuit speaking Inuktitut and using Inuttitut as their first language.
Other highlights are increased funds have been committed for self-government. These funds are meant to cover the administration activities of operating a government-legal, finance, human resources, information technology, and elections, etc. This has allowed the Nunatsiavut Government to increase the funding for operations of the Inuit Community Governments.
Nunatsiavut Government civil servants will receive a 2% wage increase effective April 1, 2022.
Minister Andersen says “I’m proud of the work we have accomplished over the years, and I see the progress we have made in improving the lives of Labrador Inuit. I see a growth in the programs and services provided, in the number of Labrador Inuit finding employment with us, in progress being made within the Inuit communities. This year’s budget will allow us to continue on with the progress we have made.”