Justin Trudeau’s resignation sparks reactions in the Far North

Several voices were expressed Monday in the Far North following the announcement of the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

For the former Nunavut senator, Dennis Pattersonthis day is not only historic for the country, but also for the North.

M. Patterson believes that the North has always been a priority for federal prime ministers, and Justin Trudeau was no exception.

He did not travel to the Far North as often as other prime ministers, including his fatherdit M. Patterson, but his most important legacy is undoubtedly the agreement on devolution.

In January 2024, Justin Trudeau signed the agreement on the transfer of responsibility for public lands and resource rights with Nunavut.

It’s a huge accomplishment that Justin Trudeau brought back to the top of the agenda after years and years of negotiationsadded Dennis Patterson.

The Premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok also highlighted Justin Trudeau’s leadership on the issue of devolution and also in the creation of the $10 per day daycare system.

Prime Minister Trudeau was still at home in the North and demonstrated a commitment to deepening relations with the Inuitsaid P.J. Akeeags.

I respect his decision to resign and thank him for his commitment and dedication to Canadaconcluded the Prime Minister.

In Nunavik, the president of the Makivvik corporation, Pita Aatami, sees the resignation of Justin Trudeau as a loss for Nunavik.

I’m not sure there will be another leader who cares as much about indigenous issuesdit M. Adam.

It will be a big loss to lose him as prime minister, because he invested a lot in the North.

Yukon highlights its leadership

In Yukon, Prime Minister Ranj Pillai issued a statement following Mr. Trudeau’s resignation.

The Prime Minister’s positive energy, progressive policies and leadership have lifted millions of Canadian families out of poverty, led the battle against the existential threat of climate change and addressed the challenges of COVID-19said Ranj Pillai.

I want to thank Justin Trudeau for his leadership over the past decade, both nationally and within the Liberal Party of Canada, and I wish him good luck in his endeavours.adds Ranj Pillai.

The senator from Yukon, Pat Duncanalso expressed his respect for the outgoing Prime Minister.

Beyond political colors or personalities, I salute all those who are ready to put their name in the hat and who seek public support to serve their country, their territoryshe said in an interview.

Mme Duncan also said she agreed with Justin Trudeau’s decision to request the prorogation of parliament until March 24, because, according to her, the files had been stalling for some time.

Nothing was moving forward, and it was harming the work of the Senateshe said.

A mixed record in the Northwest Territories

In the Northwest Territories, the great chief of the Dehcho, Herb Norwegiansays he welcomed Justin Trudeau three or four times, to negotiate with us on the issue of water, the expansion of Nahanni National Park.

Somehow he’s done good things here for ushe said.

Herb Norwegian said, however, that he could have done more to resolve certain land claims files. It’s not going to happen, so we’ll have to see [comment] the next head of government will contribute to the Dehcho regionhe said.

He says he hopes this next leader will make reconciliation his priority.

I think this next person will have to be strong and take reconciliation very seriously.

In the Sahtu, the Grand Chief of the Sahtu Dene Council, Wilbert Kochon said he was not surprised by Justin Trudeau’s resignation. However, he believes that, whatever their record, leaders deserve respect for the work accomplished and, overall, Justin Trudeau has worked well with indigenous peoples.

More [il] said a lot of things and I don’t think any follow-ups were done or everything was taken into accountsaid Mr. Kochon.

Wilbert Kochon hopes that the country’s next prime minister will continue to work closely with northern First Nations.

With information from Sarah Xénos, Félix Lebel, TJ Dhir, Lawrence Nayally and Nadeer Hashmi