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Water agreement needed Yellowknifer - Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Mackenzie River Basin trans-boundary agreement introduced in 1997 as a guideline for water management has essentially been ignored by British Columbia and Alberta - two jurisdictions that did not sign the agreement -- only the NWT and Yukon are signatories. BC Hydro's plan to build a 900-megawatt dam and generator on the Peace River will put more pressure on an already strained system, which is already under siege from oil sands developers and struggles with industrial pollution. A proposed hydro-electric project for the Slave River is another potential strain on the water system. Our water supply is being drained and polluted by jurisdictions that aren't willing to co-operate in protecting and preserving waterways that cross our borders. If the GNWT can't come to a legally-binding agreement with the two provinces in this David versus Goliath-like situation, then it needs to turn to the federal government for support. Should Ottawa not take the issue seriously then the territorial government needs to consider partnering with aboriginal groups, who have treaty leverage in this situation, and take the issue to the courts. First Nations can bring great strength to the NWT's environmental-preservation position, while the territorial government could provide the legal resources and funding to wage this legal battle. While such a court case will not come cheap, it will be worth every penny to fight for the safety and protection of our water system.
Don't privatize power corp Yellowknifer - Wednesday, August 18, 2010 The former chair of the NWT Power Corporation's board of directors was right in taking the line that privatization of the publicly-owned power company shouldn't happen. Lew Voytilla, who was fired last week by Premier Floyd Roland, agreed with the findings of two reports on the power corporation and a proposed merger with the Calgary-based ATCO group - a 2009 report titled "Brighter Futures" and a power corporation report released in the spring - both stating there would be no gain from privatizing power in the NWT. If ATCO were to take over the business of supplying power to the North, it would certainly bring changes to the way things are done now. Like any successful business, ATCO would strive to increase profits, which brings the prospects of cutting jobs or increasing rates, while the money flows south to Alberta. Nonetheless, the contentious discussion on the proposed ATCO takeover has proven useful. The prospect of the power corporation going private has forced the utility to find ways improve its internal operations and show privatization doesn't need to happen. It also motivated the power corp.'s big wigs to go to the communities for consultations, which helps them better understand the issues. The upcoming changes to the power rate structure and the efficiency recommendations in the power corp.'s report are positive signs the corporation could be changing for the better, even if it took a serious scare to get some action.
Evil at work in Baker Lake Editorial Comment Darrell Greer Kivalliq News - Wednesday, August 18, 2010 A dark and ugly presence has manifested itself in Baker Lake. This presence is pure evil and goes against not only every aspect of Inuit culture, but just about every culture in the modern world. When the evil first reared its head about three years ago, it appeared to be the type of stupid and insensitive vandalism that periodically strikes communities across the country. But now the manner in which bodies have been disturbed in the Baker Lake graveyard suggests foul work is at play, far more severe than random acts of vandalism. At least four bodies have been disturbed during the past three years and all of them have been female. In at least one case, the pants of the deceased were left pulled-down, raising the stomach-churning spectre of necrophilia or the spirit-freezing notion of someone trying to practice necromancy. Either way, it's a demoralizing and frightening time for the community to have to suffer through such indignities being committed. One can only imagine the hurt and anger being felt by the families of those whose final resting place have been disturbed in such a sinister manner. The Hamlet of Baker Lake has resorted to encasing some caskets in cement in an attempt to keep away those vile enough to perpetrate such acts. The local detachment of the RCMP has placed a priority on apprehending those involved with the desecrations. Having such acts committed in its community is as unsettling for a local police force as the residents it serves. In the bigger picture, one can't help but wonder how such evil manifested itself in a religious-minded community such as Baker. Indeed, the vast majority of Kivalliq communities are known and respected for their level of spirituality, and all must be rocked by what's happened in Baker; acts that strike at the very core of their beliefs. But even more disturbing for the people of Baker Lake is the knowledge of having someone, or some people, so obviously disturbed walking around their community. If, in fact, those responsible for these acts believe themselves to be truly practising some insidious form of what is often referred to black magic or the dark arts, there is no telling what they may, ultimately, be capable of if they're not apprehended. That, in itself, is reason enough for the community to aid the police in any manner it can to bring to justice those responsible. Whether you, personally, believe in such things is immaterial. The problem is whether those who committed the foul deeds at the Baker graveyard are convinced such things are real. If they do, the danger of what may happen next is all too real. Hopefully, people in the community will realize the potential danger that walks among them, and do what they can to eradicate it before someone still drawing breath becomes a victim. The people behind this evil need help, and the chances are high they're not going to seek it on their own.
Don't drop the ball NWT News/North - Monday, August 16, 2010
The instability of the portfolio has been an issue since the days when Jean Chretien held the position for six years. Since 1974, the department has had 19 different ministers of which only five lasted longer than three years. Duncan's predecessor, Chuck Strahl, spent three years in the position and laid the ground work for change. It will be Duncan's duty to advance what Strahl began, but there is also a lot more our new minister should be adding to his plate. Revamping the Food Mail program and a review of the NWT's cumbersome regulatory regime were two of Strahl's most notable projects. Both remain unfinished. It will now be on Duncan's shoulders to ensure both those issues are resolved with maximum benefit to the NWT. If they fall short, the blame will not fall on Strahl - the general public has much too short a memory for that - Duncan will be tarred with the failure. On April 11, 2011, the new Nutrition North Canada program, which replaces Food Mail, will come into effect. It is vital INAC ensures the program is not only increasing Northerners' access to healthy foods but that cost savings are being passed onto the customers. A close review of the new program's first year is a must. We also suggest the department revisit the fact some communities - such as Nahanni Butte - were left out of the program and why others will be deemed ineligible after a year. The rationale is that those communities were not making use of the old Food Mail program, but with past complaints of the program being too hard to access, it is illogical to base eligibility criteria on past usage. INAC also has a leadership role to play in ensuring the NWT does not lose out on jobs and development opportunities. Strahl told a chamber of commerce gathering in May the current regulatory system could cost the territory upwards of $15 billion in lost opportunities. Duncan must follow through on reasonable recommendations to streamline the regulatory system to encourage investors and developers to return and do business here. Our communities need jobs and the economic spin-offs that accompany wage earners. Outstanding land claims agreements in the NWT must be addressed. Both the Akaitcho and the Dehcho First Nations have been negotiating for decades without an agreement. It's time the federal government demonstrate serious commitment to finalizing these agreements. Constantly changing negotiators is a one-step forward two-steps back approach. Why not apply a performance test? Perhaps if negotiators' salaries and job security were based on results, First Nations would no longer be complaining about Ottawa stall tactics. Aside from the fact these First Nations deserve to be given a chance at self-determination, finalizing the Dehcho agreement would also eliminate a major barrier to the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline. Lastly, the Turtle Island Native Network reports that the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations has once again called for the replacement of INAC. Replacing the bureaucratic quagmire that is INAC might not be a bad idea. It's also an idea Duncan may have supported in the past. In the mid-1990s, he was a member of the Reform Party. Part of the reform platform was the dismantling of INAC in favour of accountable agencies run by and responsible to aboriginal peoples. We hope to see Duncan in the North soon and suggest he make frequent trips to get a first-hand account of what is needed here.
Making waves Nunavut News/North - Monday, August 16, 2010 With a small 13-page document as a slingshot, Okalik Eegeesiak and the Qikiqtani Inuit Association have taken down the Goliath of the government. Despite the hue and outcry over the granting of a licence for seismic testing to map the geology and potential oil and gas resources in Lancaster Sound, Jones Sound and northern Baffin Bay, few believed anything could be done to stop it. Ron Elliott, MLA for Quttiktuq, even speculated the only way to stop the testing - a type of testing Inuit said had disrupted whale calving and migration routes in the past -- would be to go out in a boat and engage in some sort of Greenpeace guerrilla-style protest. The QIA went to court, even though the clock was ticking. The ship with the seismic testing equipment on board had already reached the High Arctic and the start date for the tests was days away. With Monday morning, Aug. 9 being the start date, the QIA and the federal and territorial governments argued the case in front of Justice Sue Cooper on Thursday and Friday. She handed down her decision Sunday afternoon. Despite the conclusion of the project's environmental impact statement that the seismic testing would have little or no effect on marine mammals, the report itself contained protocols on how to minimize the effects on wildlife. The fact that such protocols exist, Cooper dryly pointed out, imply seismic tests do indeed have effects on animals. Hunting whale, seal and other marine mammals is part of Inuit livelihood, and an integral part of the culture. Cooper recognized this, and stated that should the seismic testing disrupt the animals' habits, Inuit would lose a source of food and part of their culture and thus suffer irreparable harm. On the other hand, she concluded the loss suffered by the project's proponents, should the testing be postponed for further legal challenges, would only be financial. Cooper found in favour of the QIA, granting them an injunction stopping the seismic testing until the legal issues raised could be settled. Cooper left it up to a trial judge to decide whether or not the consultations conducted by the federal government in the five communities near the testing areas were "meaningful" as required. But the fact remains that at those consultations, held about two months before the project was to begin, Inuit raised concerns about the effects of seismic testing on marine mammals -- concerns which were not addressed to their satisfaction despite promises modifications would be made to the project. There is a difference between a consultation and an information session. A consultation is more than a presentation followed by a question and answer session. Knowledge from Inuit must be taken into account and should be used to help shape a project. It's not necessary for everyone to agree on the final outcome, but neither should Inuit concerns be ignored. This landmark decision will make the federal government and private corporations put greater care into the consultations. It shows that Inuit will not accept half-assed efforts that treat their right to have input on projects involving their land as an afterthought. And now they have the power of the law behind them.
The Yukon option Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, August 13, 2010
On top of lost customers and general inconvenience, outages due to thunderstorms can cause power surges that damage electronic equipment. The trouble is particularly costly for restaurants, who rely on electricity for every aspect of their operation. Also, electronics stores routinely deal with customers who return with goods damaged by power surges during outages. The problem is not new to the North. The Yukon has experienced the same but the Yukon Energy Corporation has a solution that Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) should seriously consider. Yukon's answer is to monitor the weather and switch to diesel power before thunderstorms strike. This keeps power running and business going without costly interruptions and damaged equipment. In the case of Yellowknife, running on diesel at Jackfish Lake would reduce the high risk of a lightning strike on the towering transmission lines stretching 150 kilometres over the tundra. NTPC says this solution is too expensive. That decision is made without adding up the costs and inconvenience of such outages. This is a solution that has worked for the Yukon, and there is no reason why it should not work here, if customers and businesses decide they need it.
Interim agreement on land leases needed Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, August 13, 2010 The Yellowknives Dene First Nation should reap the financial benefits of land leases for cabins on its unsettled land claims area. While a land claims agreement is still being worked out for the Yellowknives Dene, the territorial government is making money off the leases approved for cabins on commissioner's land. An interim measure allowing the Yellowknives to handle leases in the region until a land claims agreement is signed is an option the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs should look at. A similar agreement has been put in place in the unsettled Deh Cho region which allows for control over certain aspects of governance. Land claims will eventually be settled, so why not allow the First Nation to reap the benefits of these leases? With John Duncan now the new minister at the helm of Indian and Northern Affairs, an opportunity is there to achieve such an interim measure. An agreement could help improve relations between the two groups and the economic benefits of land leases, albeit small, would have a far greater impact on the Yellowknives than on the territorial government.
A wellspring of giving Editorial Comment Roxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, August 12, 2010
A prime example of this took place over the weekend in Fort Simpson. Thirty-four women got together at the Seven Spruce Golf Course on Saturday to raise awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. The It's Pink Golf Fore the Cure Tournament drew out seasoned golfers and novices alike to support this cause. All of the female participants - the tournament was a women-only event - got into the spirit by wearing as much pink as possible and not letting their golf game get in the way of having a good time. Some teams went all-out in pink and golf apparel on the course had never looked so good. While having fun was a main goal, most participants also put in the work of fundraising to support the tournament's cause. Teams were challenged to raise money and did so through corporate sponsorships, pledges and bake sales, to name a few. The total tally for the fundraising hasn't been calculated yet, but the number is bound to be high. The success of the fundraising shows both the willingness of the participants to support the cause, but also the generosity of local residents and businesses who gave freely when asked. This tournament is only one example of the good citizenship that happens across the Deh Cho on a regular basis. One of the frequent recipients of this good will are local athletes. When teams and individuals launch fundraising efforts to attend a tournament or other event, wallets are opened to make the trip possible. Schools and students also see a similar response. The caring also covers local residents. In times of tragedy, illness or family hardship, communities often rally to provide support for families and individuals. This support can range from homemade food to monetary donations. The generosity doesn't end at the local or national level either. International crises such as the earthquake in Haiti in January prompted Deh Cho residents to raise money through a variety of means to support relief efforts. The success of fundraising across the Deh Cho shows both the generosity of the residents as well as the strength of their belief in good citizenship. Combined, it makes the Deh Cho that much more of a positive place to live in. Boon or bust? Editorial Comment Katie May Inuvik Drum - Thursday, August 12, 2010
With help from Germany and a partnership with a Swedish corporation as well as a Lethbridge, Alta.-based supplier, the federal Department of Natural Resources Canada launched the country's first Arctic satellite station, one of only three of its kind in the world. It's being touted as an incredible force of modern technology capable of protecting our nation's borders, since governments and international agencies will have access to the satellite images and data it receives - for monitoring purposes. Speeches of glowing support tumbled effortlessly from the mouths of every local politician who spoke at the unveiling ceremony on Tuesday, all of them looking optimistically forward to putting the Arctic on the map - literally and figuratively - and to measuring Inuvik on a grand international scale with the addition of this world-class facility. Not only does the station's main antenna rotate surprisingly quickly for its size but it has the power to spot forest fires, and presumably any number of perceived problems, before they wreak havoc on the landscape. More importantly, the station has already attracted the attention of scientists, space agencies and governments across the globe who are all clamouring to invest in it, according to Natural Resources Canada. If this is true, and if all of these potential partnerships become reality, this satellite station could mean an influx of much-needed resources and research grants for Inuvik, the Beaufort Delta region and Canada's Arctic as a whole. Proponents of the satellite station's image technology, which is relayed with little delay, did emphasize its benefits to Northern infrastructure and local economies over its value to Arctic sovereignty strategies and national security missions as a high-tech international spying device. However sincere the government's concern for Northern residents may be, there's no question the intent of a large-scale data collection project, particularly one with input from all levels of government and private industry, don't always overlap with the concerns of private citizens. Inuvik as the site of an international satellite station gives the town a lot of power. And with great power, as the cliched saying goes, comes great responsibility. It's the community's responsibility now to seize this opportunity to be in the scientific world's spotlight. But let's not do so at the expense of our many Northern researchers, who may otherwise fall into the shadow of big corporations who have deeper pockets and a certain worldly appeal. Instead, let's work with students and educators - the satellite station developers have already expressed their commitment to partner with Aurora College - to ensure that all the data collected from our region can be easily accessed to inform local research and serve the greater public good. Katie May is interim editor of Inuvik Drum. Andrew Rankin will return in September.
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