Nunavut

As the newest Canadian Province, Nunavut came to be in 1999, following its split from the Northwest Territories province, under the Nunavut Act on April 1, 1999. This was the first major split to Canada’s political map since the founding of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949. The area comprises a majority of northern Canada; its capital city of Iqaluit was chosen by the 1995 capital plebiscite. Nunavut is Canada’s only geo-political region which isn’t connected to the rest of North America by a highway.

By area, Nunavut is the largest province, yet it is the second least populous of the Canadian provinces, with a population of approximately 36,000. Discussions to divide Nunavut from the Northwest Territories began in the 1950s, with legislation being introduced in 1963 to complete this separation. This was eventually recommended against, and it wasn’t until the federal government’s passage of the Nunavut Act in 1999 that the territory became its own identity.

The economy of Nunavut greatly relies on areas including minerals/mining, gas, hunting, fishing, whaling, transportation, and the tourism industries. People in the region rely primarily on renewable fuel/energy sources, and government attempts to rely more heavily on renewable energies is a top priority in the region.

Nunavut’s government is run by a commissioner, who is appointed by the federal Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs. The commissioner serves in a role, similar to that of the lieutenant governor, in other provinces. The head of the government, the premier of Nunavut, is elected into office by the members of the legislative assembly.

Like other Canadian provinces, Nunavut has several national parks which attract tourists, and locals alike. Auyuittuq National Park, Quttinirpaaq National Park, Bylot Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, and Tuktut Nogait National Park, are among the many preserved sites in the province. The Pod of Male Narwhals, Lancaster Sound, is also a UNESCO world heritage site, which is situated in Nunavut.

The National Law Review covers content related to natural resources, utilities and transport, energy and environmental law, as well as administrative and regulatory news coverage from the province of Nunavut. Visitors can also read the latest content related to securities and the financial banking sector on the National Law Review site, as it relates to the province, and as it affects the country of Canada as a whole.

 

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