Released on April 1, 1999
Premier Roy Romanow today offered congratulations to the people of
Nunavut on the creation of the new Territory.
"April 1, 1999 marks the beginning of the journey for the newly
created territory of Nunavut and the achievement of a long time goal
of the Inuit people," Romanow said. "This is the biggest change in
our country's boundaries and maps since Newfoundland joined
Confederation 50 years ago. The creation of Nunavut is a timely
example of the Canadian federation's ability to accommodate the
cultural and linguistic diversity of its different regions and
populations."
Premier Romanow also sent a letter of congratulations to the Premier
of Nunavut, Paul Okalik.
"I look forward to building a strong relationship with Premier Okalik
and the Territory of Nunavut. Together we are at the dawn of a
millennium of new opportunity."
A vast territory containing one-fifth of Canada's landmass, Nunavut
has a population of approximately 24,000 of whom 85 per cent are Inuit
(18,000).
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For more information, contact:
Anna Arneson
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-0850