Consensus Government

“The principles of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit will support our efforts to make our government, and the programs and services we offer more responsive to the people we serve.” - Pinasuaqtavut 2004-2009


Nunavut has a public government, which operates within the principles of Canadian parliamentary democracy. All residents of Nunavut are entitled to run for office and elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on an individual rather than a party basis.

Following a general election, MLAs meet to select a Premier from among the elected members. Ministers are then selected, and the Premier assigns portfolios. Government priorities are established among the Ministers and the Members, based on the issues identified during the election.

A consensus government still requires majority support for measures it proposes. Ministers and the Premier are required to consistently account and respond to Members concerns as they work through the legislative and budget processes.

The system blends the principles of parliamentary democracy with the Aboriginal values of maximum cooperation, effective use of leadership resources and common accountability. Nunavut shares this system with the Northwest Territories, which also has a significant Aboriginal foundation for its public government.


Pinasuaqtavut: 2004-2009 “Our commitment to building Nunavut’s future”

Pinasuaqtavut is the statement of values and priorities that guides the conduct of government and identifies the common objectives of Members. It reconfirms our commitment to our four major goals and states that we will increasingly be guided by Inuit societal values to build a stronger cultural foundation and expand our economy.

There are four components of Pinasuaqtavut 2004-2009

   1.   Healthy Communities identifies 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 represents a commitment to ensuring processes are kept accessible to the public, and encourages public participation in the government process.
       
       
   3.   Self-Reliance recognizes the responsibility of individuals to themselves, to their family, and to their community.
       
       
   4.   Continuing Learning emphasizes the importance of a lifelong commitment to learning and development, and commits the Government to support such learning at the individual, community and territorial levels.
       
       













It reflects the desire of the government to respond to the priorities and needs of its residents in a manner that is open and encourages active public participation.


Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ)

The government is committed to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit as a guiding principle of public government. IQ embodies Inuit traditional knowledge and values, and guides the government in framing decisions, policies and laws that reflect the key philosophies, attitudes and practices of Nunavut’s Inuit majority. Applying this principle in the day-to-day governance of Nunavut represents a considerable challenge; but the practice of IQ is a goal to which the GN remains deeply committed.


Source courtesy of: http://www.gov.nu.ca/