The Government of Nunavut should play a key role in guiding the territory to an economic recovery as the threat of Covid-19 subsides, according to a couple of MLAs.

In the NWT, the government released The Emerge Stronger Plan on April 29. It's a draft strategy for economic and social recovery from the pandemic. The plan encompasses options for diversifying the economy, expanding local production and strengthening supply chains. The GNWT is also committed to establishing a Covid-19 business advisory council.

Lewis Falkiner-Mackay, director of policy, planning and communications with the GN's Department of Economic Development and Transportation, said the Nunavut government's recent focus has been on SA国际影视传媒減reparation, adaptation and mitigationSA国际影视传媒� relating to the virus. That has included some infusions of money into the territorial economy (see Fact File below).

SA国际影视传媒淐onsideration of further measures targeting economic recovery is ongoing, including reviewing the measures adopted in other jurisdictions,SA国际影视传媒� Falkiner-Mackay stated.

Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA Pat Angnakak said she hopes the GN monitors what the GNWT is doing, and the formation of an economic recovery steering committee would be worth consideration.

SA国际影视传媒淚 feel the GN has a role to play when it comes to our economy SA国际影视传媒� even in the best of times itSA国际影视传媒檚 hard for the average Nunavut business to succeed,SA国际影视传媒� said Angnakak. SA国际影视传媒淚 feel the GN will be needed to play a leadership role in steering the economy forward, and Nunavummiut will have some expectations that their government will be there to help them through this difficult time, having access to business financial subsidies, increasing employment opportunities and providing better mental health access to deal with the stress of the changes need to be in place.SA国际影视传媒�

Arviat North-Whale Cove MLA John Main, who's also chair of the regular members caucus, agrees that territorial government action is needed to help workers and Nunavut enterprises rebound from the coronavirus lockdown, even though the federal government has been SA国际影视传媒渓eading the way.SA国际影视传媒�

In the legislative assembly prior to the advent of Covid-19, MLAs were already discussing the potential for a direct government subsidy for airlines. That's even more critical now as the airlines, which are an essential service for Nunavummiut, are fighting for survival, according to Main.

SA国际影视传媒淚 do believe that that subsidy should come from the federal government,SA国际影视传媒� he said, adding that the GN should be pushing for it.

He said the GN can be a facilitator as Nunavut businesses seek to access aid from the Government of Canada.

SA国际影视传媒淚t wouldn't cost a lot of money to act as an intermediary and try and help Nunavut businesses access as much of that federal money as possible,SA国际影视传媒� said Main.

He's also hopeful that Covid will be the catalyst to get more local workers hired, particularly in construction and mining, rather than to hire employees from the south.

SA国际影视传媒淚t could put a shot in the arm of people who are looking for work and keep more benefits in the community as well as reducing need for imported labour, which, I think, goes towards a pandemic response,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淭here's a ton of room for improvement within mining (for hiring Nunavummiut).SA国际影视传媒�

With tourism and hospitality being among the hardest hit of industries, Main suggested that the GN could assist Nunavut businesses stay ready as domestic travellers eventually explore Canada SA国际影视传媒� including the Arctic SA国际影视传媒� on vacations rather than heading abroad.

SA国际影视传媒淲e need to sure that tourism operators across Nunavut are in a place to take advantage,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淲e need to make sure that they don't die, basically, in the meantime, during this hard, hard time for them.SA国际影视传媒�

Wage subsidies, loan guarantees and make-work projects are among the measures that could help sustain local tourism operators in the interim

SA国际影视传媒淚deally, you would have supports that are being rolled out after consultation with industry,SA国际影视传媒� he said.

Fact file
GN funding during Covid-19

-The GN has $823,000 available in support through the Department of Economic Development and Transportation's Small Business Support Program. Small businesses can apply for up to $5,000 to assist with short-term working capital costs.

-The Department of Economic Development and Transportation made an initial investment of $70,600 to have the Nunavut Development Corporation produce non-medical masks for public use.

-The Department of Community and Government services provided $2 million to help cover increased municipal expenses related to Covid-19.

-The GN made a $1-million contribution SA国际影视传媒� part of a joint $2-million contribution with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated SA国际影视传媒� for community food programs for children and Elders. Funds were distributed directly to hamlets.

-Through the Department of Environment's Community Harvester Support Program, the GN provided $625,000 in support to hunters and trappers by allocating $25,000 to each hunter and trappers organization across Nunavut.

-Through the Department of Education, the GN allocated a total of $885,000 to child care, to cover licensed care facilities' parental fees.

-The GN is also providing financial support to airlines servicing Nunavut.

Source: Department of Economic Development and Transportation