1. Public Government
   While Inuit negotiators considered the creation of an ethnically based government as the best means to help guarantee the Inuit way of life, they recognized early on that Canada would not accept such a form of government. Consequently, Nunavut was created as a public government that respects Canadian political traditions and institutions and remains within the boundaries of Confederation. All residents, regardless of ethnicity, are granted equal representation and can run for office. Furthermore, the rights and responsibilities of all Nunavut residents will be subject to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
   
   However, the government of Nunavut does have some elements of an ethnic government. Under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the Inuit received proportionate representation in the public service and equal representation on several territorial management boards. This representation gives the Inuit a large voice in the social, economical, and environmental life of the territory.
   
    
2. Territorial Government
   Nunavut is a territory, not a province. A province is the creation of the Constitution Acts, 1867-1982. It exists in its own right, has its own distinct jurisdictions (i.e. health and education), and owns Crown lands. In contrast, a territory is created through federal legislation. As such, the federal government may enter into provincial-type affairs in territories and the federal government owns Crown lands in the territory. Furthermore, provincial governments are included in the constitutional amending process, the way Canada makes changes to its Constitution. In contrast, territorial governments are excluded from the constitutional amending formula.
   
   However, Nunavut has more control over its own affairs than other territories in Canada. Through the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, the Nunavut government gained some decision-making capacity in areas of jurisdiction that the federal government normally keeps for itself in territories (i.e. the environment and wildlife).

Administration
Nunavut's government administration is characterized by three qualities: (a) consensus politics, (b) decentralization, and (c) federal funding.

1. Consensus Politics
   Nunavut's legislative assembly consists of 19 members elected over four years by popular vote. The Speaker oversees the operation of the legislative assembly, and the Premier and executive cabinet head the government.
   
   Unlike Parliament and provincial legislatures, there are no political parties in Nunavut at the territorial level. Instead, legislative decisions are based on the consensus of the majority of members, a style that reflects traditional Inuit decision-making. All Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) elect the Speaker, Premier, and cabinet ministers in a secret ballot format. MLAs without ministerial portfolios take on the role of the Official Opposition.
   
    
2. Decentralization
   The government of Nunavut is highly decentralized, with approximately 700 headquarters positions divided among numerous communities in the territory. The government’s core machinery is situated in Iqaluit, Nunavut's capital.
   
   The Capital includes:
   
   • The Department of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs
   
   
   • The Department of Finance and Administration
   
   
   • The Department of Human Resources
   
   
   • The Department of Justice
   
   
   
   The remaining departments, boards, commissions, corporations and agencies are based in the following communities:
   
   • Igloolik
   
   
   • Rankin Inlet
   
   
   • Cambridge Bay
   
   
   • Cape Dorset
   
   
   • Arviat
   
   
   • Gjoa Haven
   
   
   • Kugluktuk
   
   
   • Pangnirtung
   
   
   • Baker Lake
   
   
   • Pond Inlet
   
   
   
   By deciding to decentralize the government, Nunavut leaders hoped to extend new employment opportunities to as many communities as possible. Furthermore, this format minimized the negative impacts associated with moving too many new people into a single community. Technology will be the key to maintaining this decentralized government. This includes a modern telecommunications infrastructure that will support intra-governmental communications and allow individuals to access and receive government programs and services from a distance.
   
    
3. Federal Funding
   For the near future, the Nunavut government will depend upon the government of Canada for its operational costs and the cost of public services. Under a financing agreement that commenced in 1999, Nunavut will receive $600 million per year from the federal government for five years. This transfer payment accounted for over 90 percent of Nunavut’s annual budget in 1999-2000. The Nunavut government raised the remainder of the budget through the sale of goods and services and taxation.

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Future Challenges