The federal government's throne speech made mention of the North, but Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik said it still discouraged him because it did nothing to help his territory gain control over its own affairs.

"I must say for our government, it was not that encouraging," Okalik said Wednesday, the day after Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean delivered the speech in Ottawa.

The throne speech promised a world-class scientific research station in the Arctic, more patrol ships, expanded efforts to map the Arctic seabed and a "northern strategy" that would focus on economic and social development.

However, Okalik said it made no clear commitment to devolution, in which more province-like powers could be transferred from Ottawa to Nunavut.

"Why are we not entitled to control our own resources like any Canadians?" Okalik said.

"That part is a bit difficult to swallow as a Canadian and particularly as an Inuk, who were in control of our own resources before this government or this federation was ever put together."

Nunavut and the Northwest Territories have long been pressing Ottawa to turn over more responsibilities to them, while the Yukon signed a devolution deal in 2003.

A federal government report released in June concluded that Nunavut lacks the necessary capacity to take on more responsibilities.

The report, prepared by Montreal lawyer Paul Mayer, noted that Nunavut must create a more stable employee base despite a difficult environment where it is hard to retain qualified staff.

Okalik said Ottawa needs to work with Nunavut to train Inuit.

"If they're not going to do that, how are we supposed to get capacity?" he said.

"I'm getting mixed signals and it's rather paternalistic. It's saying to people that 'you'll never get control of your resources.' "

Not consulted on speech

Okalik said he had written to Prime Minister Stephen Harper as recently as two weeks ago, but has heard nothing back.

He also said he wasn't consulted before the throne speech, especially on the commitments the Conservative government is making to the North.

Jose Kusugak, former president of the national Inuit organization Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, said the speech showed Harper is acting more like a boss rather than a leader.

"If he was a good prime minister, a good leader, then he should be going to [the] Nunavut government, he should be going to Nunavut Tunngavik, and talking about what issues are at hand," Kusugak said.

Okalik said he will continue to press Ottawa for a devolution deal, noting that Nunavummiut are already doing their part to help the federal government assert sovereignty in the Arctic, so Ottawa should do its part in return.