Concepto de apoyo social

which will lead to a greater ability to identify at risk individuals, and stop crime before it happens.

The Department of Justice and the RCMP agree that police should represent the community they seek to protect. Therefore, a shared focus on the recruitment of Inuit officers and the promotion of Inuktitut among officers is ongoing. Inuktitut training, increased community involvement, increased youth programming, and a dedicated recruiting unit, are all being implemented to promote the force and encourage Inuit to consider a career in policing.

A police force which is part of the fabric of our communities and which is made up of more Inuit and Inuktitut speaking officers can be achieved and will result in better policing and less crime in Nunavut.

Trends

Strain on courts, corrections, and police, may increase as the Federal Government lengthens sentences and removes judicial discretion.

Nunavut’s young demographic and rapid population growth will continue to put pressure on the formal institutions of the criminal justice system. Youth are more likely to come into conflict with law enforcement, which has a direct impact on the resources, required to assist offenders, victims, and communities. Education and opportunities for young people are essential to keep youth on the right side of the law.

Additionally, resource development and the associated influx of people and money into Nunavut may serve to exacerbate current crime and public safety concerns. Work must be done to coordinate stakeholders in the government, police, justice, Inuit Organizations, and private sector to prepare for the social and judicial consequences of increased economic activity.

The challenges faced in the administration of justice are not only those that require immediate responses to immediate issues, but involve the capacity to look forward and be ahead of developing trends in crimes. Prescription drug importation and fraud are examples of crimes not prevalent in the Territory, but the RCMP has noted occurrences. It is important to recognize the necessity to respond to any noted increase in new classes of crime with adequate commitment and resources.

Environment

Land

Nunavummiut are proud of our strong relationship to the land. Nunavut is rich in wildlife, fish and other natural resources. However, our ecosystems are fragile and have long recovery times. Nunavut’s land, air, water and creatures need to be managed responsibly and sustainably.

Environmental Scan

Nunavut is also rich in non-renewable resources, and our land provides for many opportunities for development. Without careful consideration of potential impacts, our fragile ecosystems can be damaged irreparably. We are committed to working with our partners to ensure that any development that proceeds occurs in a manner consistent with our values and that leaves the land in such a way that it will be enjoyed by future generations of Nunavummiut.

We are committed to supporting a sustainable and viable wildlife management regime in Nunavut, developing sustainable and viable fisheries, and the development and management of a representative system of territorial parks and special places. This depends upon integrating Inuit Societal Values with the best available scientific knowledge under the general guiding principles of conservation and sustainability. Communities

With Nunavut’s growing communities come the challenges of managing waste in an arctic environment, particularly given Nunavut’s aging waste management infrastructure. Many communities are also burdened with abandoned waste sites, some of which are contaminated. Demands for increased development have driven the need to ensure that sustainable practices are employed and maintained in the long term.

The extent of potential climate change impacts on communities and community infrastructure is unknown. Communities need support from all levels of government in assessing and adapting to these impacts.

Many Nunavummiut depend on harvesting wildlife, fish and marine mammals for food, maintenance of cultural activities and as a source of income. These resources, if used sustainably, will help ensure food security and a healthy environment for Nunavummiut in the future. In addition to supporting healthy lifestyles, a healthy ecosystem will also attract eco-tourists and contribute to local economies and employment of Nunavummiut.

There is an increasing amount of scrutiny of our wildlife management and conservation efforts at the national and international level. Actions and activities taking place in Nunavut are immediately available to interested parties worldwide, many of whom do not fully understand our sustainable co-management systems. Any perceived failure of Nunavut to meet external expectations can result in negative publicity and trade restrictions, as has been illustrated by the situation with both seals and polar bears. Partners

Under the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, land and resource management in Nunavut is based on an innovative co-management structure, which ensures that beneficiaries play a significant role in preserving our traditions, cultures and aspirations. While this process can be slow, expensive and time-consuming, the Government of Nunavut is committed to it and is working with our partners to evolve continually the process with the goal of improving efficiency and communications. At the same time, the Nunavut

Environmental Scan

Land Claims Agreement also allows the Minister of Environment to take interim action in “urgent and unusual circumstances” when wildlife populations are at risk.

Collaborative partnerships from the local to international level are needed to accomplish our mandate. These include those within government, with other governments and with institutions of public government, crown corporations, designated Inuit organizations, boards, and public agencies.

The coordinated approach with our partners and stakeholders supports the sustainable use of wildlife and marine resources, protection of our environment and people, and the preservation of parks and conservation areas. By collaborating with other organizations and institutions, the impact of research and program dollars and increase or supplement to technical capacity can be maximized.

Climate Change

Global climate change is highly complex and dynamic, from both the scientific and social/cultural perspective. The timing, nature and severity of the impacts on Nunavut communities are difficult to predict and will vary locally and regionally.

Overall, the most prevalent observations of climate change in Nunavut include:

• The significant changes to the sea ice including its distribution, timing of freeze- up and thaw, and coverage;

• Average Arctic air temperatures that have increased at a greater rate than the global average;

• A changing arctic marine ecology with potential impacts on marine productivity; and

• Changes in permafrost: increased temperatures at the top layer and an overall decrease in the area covered by permafrost.

Because a significant portion of infrastructure in Nunavut is built on permafrost, it is crucial that the Government of Nunavut participate actively in efforts to mitigate climate change, but also take active steps to prepare for and adapt to it.