Chamber of commerce looks into housing shortage, tourism
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Apr 04/01) - The shortage of social housing is a big problem in the Kivalliq.
More than 60 members of Keewatin Regional Chamber of Commerce gathered last week to discuss that problem and others at the annual general meeting in Rankin Inlet.
Chamber president Ray Mercer said in addition to the housing problem, "there doesn't appear to be any thought-out plans put in place for the development of tourism."
"People want to see tourists coming back into the Keewatin and we're putting the word back to the government that it has to start at the grassroots level and put the funding in place to ensure the tourism industry develops in an orderly and effective fashion."
George Kuksuk of Arviat agreed the housing shortage is looked upon as the most important issue that needs to be addressed, along with the high costs of living and transportation in the region.
He adds the chamber represents the seven Kivalliq communities.
"We have to be united because that's the only way to have our voices in the Kivalliq heard," says Kuksuk. "What having a regional Chamber of Commerce does, is help to avoid seven different hamlets addressing the same concerns in their own way.
"To voice our concerns regionally, as a family, is the best way to address many of the problems that affect us all."
One highlight of the AGM came about unexpectedly when Jim Stevens of the Department of Transportation was weathered in at Gjoa Haven.
Mercer says Stevens was scheduled to present the Nunavut Transportation Strategy to the Chamber.
"We did a telephone hook-up, amplified the sound, and, with the use of a slide show, he was able to conduct the whole presentation as if he were here.
"It really was a testament to how today's communication technology has the ability to bring people together, which, in some areas, can help to level the business playing field here somewhat."
