Well according to all the weather gurus and pundits we will have a cool windy clear summer [tell us something we don’t know].
At 9:14 yesterday is was sunny, west winds at 54 giving blowing snow and wind chills of -33.

Nunatsiavut Government issued a press release yesterday announcing some re alignments of minister’s portfolios.

What is it media say about moving ministers around regularly? Something like when you are losing at cards you shuffle the deck.

Well it is not all bad: Todd Broomfield of Makkovik moves from being the Speaker for the Assembly to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources position.

I do not know these two too well: Danny Pottle, the Ordinary Member for the Canadian Constituency is now the Speaker, and Keith Russell is the Deputy Speaker.

There was also some realignment with the Executive Council: Diane gear from Finance and Human Resources [FHR] to Health and Social Development [HSD]. Greg Flowers from HSD to FHR.
I think the dealer lost control of the cards here, but when there are only so many players at the table your options are limited.

Having a Minister at Lands and resources can only be a positive move. What was happening since the previous minister was removed six months ago was a total sham. He was not a minister but advising the President and attending meetings and functions concerned with that portfolio, looked a bit like what is going on in the world of big finance, you do something wrong and get bonuses and perks instead of paying a penalty.

The down side I see is that there are no Inuttitut as first language speakers in the cabinet, and they are a small minority in the whole assembly for that matter. Not that speaking Inuttitut should be the sole consideration for cabinet posts, but seeing as being proficient in the language is {allegedly} a priority with NG then it does seem an uphill battle for those few who are working on maintaining and strengthening the language.

NG also handed down a balanced budget at the same assembly. The news release gives a basic outline of the 2009/10 expenditures.18.6 million for admin of government and ‘30 million for programs and services to Inuit and other persons living in Inuit communities at levels comparable to those generally prevailing in communities of similar size and circumstances in Labrador’.
Now that looks like comparing one self with one self to me.

In presenting the budget Minister Gear mentioned that “Openness and Accountability are cornerstones of responsible fiscal management”.

I won’t comment of the accountability part but openness is definitely not a strong suit within NG in general and with the members representing Nain in particular.

I don’t see any mention of the 20 million hiccup in the investments made by NG, maybe it will be dealt at another table.