Rankin Inlet (Dec 22/04) - Gag orders from the Nunavut government are keeping a number of skilled people from running in municipal elections, says the mayor of Rankin Inlet.

Lorne Kusugak said a number of government workers told him before the Dec. 13 election they weren't running because they felt they would be gagged by the government.

"I'm not saying all the best people available work for the government, but there are some good people in that position who would have a positive impact on the community by being on council," said Kusugak.

"When you suppress creative people like that, and keep them from bringing their ideas forward, you suppress the community's growth.

"It happens in Rankin Inlet and I'm sure it happens in other communities."

Kusugak said he's tired of seeing people declining to run for council for fear of losing their jobs, even though he understands the threat of job loss is all too real.

"They're afraid to work with council because their jobs and careers are on the line and it shouldn't be like that."

Kusugak said if an issue is not directly related to a person's job, there should be no conflict of interest.

He said government employees should be able to voice an opinion on issues outside their department without fear of persecution.

"It's unfortunate the Nunavut government uses these intimidation tactics to rule over their employees because that approach is not necessary.

"Our population base is too small for people to be afraid to get involved with their community because they work for the government or Nunavut Tunngavik Inc."

Kusugak said government employees should be encouraged to be active in their community as long as they're not making decisions affecting their jobs.

He said declaring a conflict of interest is always the second item on council's agenda.

"The Nunavut government acts like it's scared to death to be criticized, but every government gets criticized at some point.

"Maybe it's time the government started to explore why it's being criticized in some areas, rather than just trying to gag the criticism."

See page 18 for the election results.