The Honourable Paul Okalik
Premier of Nunavut
PO Box 800
Iqaluit, Nunavut
X0A 0H0

Dear Mr Premier:

Catholics across Canada join all Canadians in congratulating the citizens of the Territory of Nunavut for offering to our nation this marvellous sign of new life as we enter the next millennium.

Today, as Nunavut is born, Christians begin their annual solemn commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, passing from death to life, moving from hopelessness to hope, being transformed from fear and uncertainty to courage and joy. May this special season truly be a sign of blessing for the future of the Territory of Nunavut.

I also wish to assure you that the Bishops of Canada will be happy to collaborate with you and the citizens of your new Territory. In this respect, I mention in particular the four bishops whose dioceses at least in part are involved with Nunavut, namely Most Reverend Reynald Rouleau, OMI, Bishop of Churchill – Hudson Bay, much of whose diocese is in the new Territory, as well as Most Reverend Denis Croteau, OMI, Bishop of Mackenzie – Fort Smith, Most Reverend Vincent Cadieux, OMI, Bishop of Moosonee, and Most Reverend Douglas Crosby, OMI, Bishop of Labrador City- Schefferville, the borders of whose three dioceses touch on parts of Nunavut.

On behalf of all the Roman and Eastern Rite Catholic Bishops of Canada, our prayers and best wishes for the future of Nunavut and its people.

Yours sincerely,

+ Jean-Claude Cardinal Turcotte
Archbishop of Montreal
President
Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops