Iqaluit MLA takes aim at new funding program
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Apr 11/01) - A new program introduced by the Department of Community Government and Transportation (CG&T) has come under attack.
Iqaluit MLA Hunter Tootoo says the recreational facilities program is nothing more than clever manoeuvring by Minister Jack Anawak to deliver on his promise of artificial ice in his hometown riding of Rankin Inlet.
"Right now, you hear everyone saying we don't have enough money to provide essential services," says Tootoo.
"I see something like this being set up and the speculation we're hearing is the money is going towards artificial ice in Rankin Inlet."
Tootoo says if Rankin wants artificial ice, it should have to fund the project.
"I'm not arguing that we don't need to provide recreational facilities, but when it comes to providing more than the basics, whether you like it or not, we only have so much money to work with and artificial ice just isn't a priority right now.
But Tootoo admits the social benefits to a good recreational program are greatly underestimated because of the impact it has on young people's lives.
He says Nunavummiut are still waiting for the Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth to start building new youth centres, which should be given higher priority than one community's special wish.
"If we had all our priorities taken care of, I'd be the first one to stand up and support artificial ice. But we have to look at the bigger picture and artificial ice is not a luxury we can afford right now.
"This is not an easy stance for me to take, but we have too many other issues I would class as bare essentials for the NG to have anything to do with artificial ice."
Budget approval
The legislative assembly spent almost two hours debating the reaction and facilities program before the final budget approval was given.
The assembly reviews each government department, including their capital plan, budgets and help being offered to municipalities.
Anawak's executive assistant, Mike Courtney, says the program will make $300,000 available annually during the next five years for communities to upgrade existing recreational facilities.
"The minister wanted to set something up so a municipality showing initiative to do a project could come to us and say, 'Look, we have this on our books. This is how we want to accomplish it. These are the steps. What can CG&T give us?'
"We've never really had a fund to deal with that through CG&T and that's what we're trying to establish here."
Although two hours of debate were spent on the new program, it wasn't enough for Tootoo, who has filed a list of 20 written questions.
Anawak has 21 calendar days to file his responses, which Courtney says will be tabled this week.
"After we address Mr. Tootoo's concerns, hopefully, we'll be able to move forward with the program and discuss various options in more detail with communities wishing to access its funding."
