An Arctic planning body is taking the federal government to court, claiming Ottawa is blocking efforts to create a land-use plan that would guide resource development in Nunavut.
The lawsuit by the Nunavut Planning Commission comes as Prime Minister Stephen Harper makes his annual trip to the North to highlight the importance his government attaches to the region.
Commission head Percy Kabloona (kah-BLEW'-nah) accuses the Conservatives of trying to interfere in the development of the plan, which is guaranteed under the Nunavut Land Claim.
Kabloona also says Ottawa is trying to scuttle the land-use plan by withholding money the commission needs for final public hearings.
He says the lawsuit, which was filed Monday, is the first of several court actions to follow.
