The Legislative Assembly passed the Appropriation (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2026-2027 on June 10, and it received assent the next day. The act gives the Government of Nunavut authority to spend up to $2.4702 billion on day-to-day operations and maintenance between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027. Source↗

That changes the status of the May budget documents. The Main Estimates were initially a request for spending approval. They are now the approved operating-spending framework for the current fiscal year. Source↗

The budget sets the spending ceiling behind territorial services, grants, staffing and program operations this year. The estimates list $663.2 million for Health, $309.9 million for Education, $296.0 million for the Nunavut Housing Corporation and $182.8 million for Justice. Source↗

The budget address identified added health staffing linked to Nunavut’s suicide crisis, increased Justice funding for RCMP crime-reduction work, staffing and suicide-response supports, firearm safety work, and increased support for municipal insurance programs. Those statements describe intended uses and priorities; they do not confirm that every service, hire, project or outcome has been delivered. Source↗

Departments can spend within the authority approved for 2026–27, subject to their program rules and normal government controls. Any additional spending beyond the approved framework, or changes requiring legislative authority, would need to come through later supplementary appropriations or future budget documents. The fiscal year ends March 31, 2027.

• Total approved operating and maintenance authority: $2.4702 billion.
• Budget period: April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
• Bill status: third reading June 10, 2026; assent June 11, 2026.
• Largest listed departmental operating amounts include Health at $663.207 million, Education at $309.853 million, Nunavut Housing Corporation at $296.022 million and Justice at $182.814 million.
• This item concerns operating and maintenance spending. It should not be treated as confirmation that capital projects have been funded, tendered, built or completed. Source↗ Source↗