MLA Questions Immigrant Hiring in Nunavut
Human Resources Minister David Akeeagok emphasized that the Government of Nunavut (GN) prioritizes hiring Inuit for jobs. This statement came in response to concerns raised by Aivilik MLA Solomon Malliki during a legislative question period.
Malliki expressed worries that immigrants from outside Canada are being hired for positions intended for Nunavut Inuit, stating in Inuktitut, "There are people coming [from] outside of our country that are taking over the Inuit positions."
Akeeagok clarified that while private businesses might target immigrant hiring, the GN does not engage in such practices. He affirmed, "Inuit are the priority" for government hiring, based on qualifications and abilities.
Government Hiring Policies and Responses
The GN follows a general Inuit-priority hiring policy aligned with Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, which mandates increasing Inuit employment to levels representative of the territory's population. Akeeagok mentioned the recent tabling of the Government of Nunavut Inuit Employment Plan 2024 to 2034, a 124-page document outlining strategies to meet these obligations.
Malliki pressed further, questioning how the government plans to address perceived imbalances and language barriers with public servants like teachers and nurses from outside the territory. Akeeagok responded that the GN is continuously seeking ways to improve services and ensure fair hiring practices.
This discussion highlights ongoing tensions and efforts in workforce representation and indigenous employment rights in Canada's northern regions.
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