Nunavut premier pressed on decentralization

Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik defendedgovernment efforts to provide more opportunities for the territory's smaller communities at a meeting of the Qikiqtani Inuit Association in Iqaluit Wednesday.

Okalik was questioned at the meeting about his commitment to communities that do not have decentralized government jobs.

Qikiqtarjuaq representative Loasie Audlakiak, who lives in one of those communities, wanted to know what the premier plans to do.

Okalik pointed to the new cultural school the government's going to build in Clyde River as an example of the government's commitment to spread projects around.

He saidsmall communities will be considered for projectsif they are interested.

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association meeting wraps up Friday.