Nunavut premier announces plans to re-structure some gov't departments

Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagokhas announced plans to re-structure some government departments, "to enhance program and service delivery."

The plan is to reshapethree territorial departments to createtwo new ones, as of next spring.

In a news release on Thursday, Akeeagok said the change will affect the departments of Community and Government Services, Economic Development and Transportation, and the Government Liaison Office (GLO) of Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Starting in April, those will be reconfigured into two new departments:Community Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut.

Akeeagok calls it a "strategic move that allows us to better deliver services across the territory."

"Nunavummiut wanted a one-stop shop to access government services, and we are working towards that goal."

The news release promises a "seamless transition" for government employees, with no jobs lost.

The new Department of Community Services will be responsible for the needs of communities, including emergency management, safety services, economic development and the GLO functions.

David Akeeagok has been named minister of Community Services.

The new Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut will be responsible for things such as infrastructure, information technology, transportation and procurement.