Dateline: 03/12/99
February 1999 may well go down in history as one of the most important periods in the political recognition of the special needs of Northern residents. The people of
Nunavut have elected their first legislators, Greenland has moved closer to a political separation from Denmark, and the Yukon Territory has made major strides in assuming what are now federal powers.
Nunavut
On February 15, an astonishing 88% of eligible voters went to the polls to elect the 18 men and one woman who will sit in Nunavut's first legislative assembly when it opens in
Iqaluit on April 1st.
Greenland
The independence movement in Greenland has been gaining ground rapidly since 1972, when Greenlanders voted against joining the European Union,
but were then forced to abide by the "yes" vote in Denmark. The nationalist Siumut party emerged soon after, and in 1979 they won in the first Home Rule
Government elections. In February 1982, the country again voted to withdraw from the EU, and successfully withdrew in 1985.
Greenland currently is still dependent on Denmark for substantial financial contributions, which are resented by a large percentage of Danish taxpayers.
In Greenland's February 16th election, complete independence from Denmark was an often-discussed issue. Significantly, 14 of the 31 legislators were elected for the first
time. The Legislature now is comprised of 25 men and 6 women. In an effort to reduce regional political wrangling, electoral districts have been eliminated; despite poor weather, 75% of
eligible voters cast ballots.
Yukon Territory
February marked an important point in the transfer of federal powers over natural resources to the Territorial government (termed "devolution").
Faroe Islands
On the Faroe Islands, complete political independence from Denmark is an issue that has always been simmering on a back burner, but
recently it has become a very hot issue among the 45,000 residents, and a referendum on the issue is planned. A Home Rule government was established for the Faroes in 1948.
In July 1998, Oli Breckmann, a Faroese MP known for his strong support for independence, told the
Copenhagen Post that "We are part of a mild colonial power. Nobody has ever been persecuted on the islands and that is probably the reason why we
are still a part of it."
Will Northern regions be able to support themselves in the modern economy, or will they be forced to ask for handouts from the
southern commercial centres forever? Is it reasonable to ask for control over resources without any economic liability?
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