Municipal leaders to ask tough questions at AGM
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (Apr 06/01) - They've had enough information sessions, now it's time for answers.
That's the message municipal leaders are sending the Nunavut Government as they prepare for the Nunavut Association of Municipalities' (NAM) annual general meeting.
The AGM will be held in Rankin Inlet from April 23-27, and will be attended by at least six of the territory's cabinet ministers.
NAM chief executive officer David General said municipal leaders want more input into capital planning which directly affects their communities.
He cited the fact many mayors have no idea how the government prioritized its five year capital plan.
"There's a serious lack of communication between the Nunavut Government and the communities in making key decisions which affect them," said General.
"Nunavut mayors need to be consulted in the decision making process. Any who were consulted have no idea if their input was ever considered."
The large increase in liability insurance premiums to hit the hamlets this year will also be discussed.
Municipal leaders will be looking for answers on how large a role the Walkerton, Ontario, disaster played in the hike, and why only one of 20 insurance companies asked submitted rates for municipal coverage.
Cabinet ministers confirmed to attend the AGM include Peter Kilabuk (Education), Jack Anawak (CG&T), Olayuk Akesuk (Sustainable Development), Ed Picco (Health), Kelvin Ng (Finance) and Manitok Thompson (Public Works).
A number of top representatives from Nunavut's Inuit beneficiary organizations will also be on hand and it's hoped a number of federal ministers will accept their invitations.
General said economic development is the key to Nunavut's success and the NAM has to be assured talks between the Nunavut and federal governments are actually happening.
"Nunavut has a bright future, but, for that to happen, mining, tourism, and arts and crafts all have to be developed.
"We have to have federal financing to assist us in that regard and the Nunavut Government on side to allow the communities to be the driving force behind the development of Nunavut."
