Editorial page
Monday, August 31, 1998

Cloak and dagger

We hope other MLAs support Iqaluit MLA Ed Picco's call for the secretive management and services board to be reformed.

The board, made up of four ordinary MLAs and the speaker, has an innocent sounding mandate to manage the legislative assembly.

There is no worry when the board is ordering toilet paper but when it comes to political decisions that affect all members of the assembly, a secretive, unaccountable process is a major problem.

MLAs had no say in the MSB's handling of Hay River MLA Jane Groenenwegen legal costs yet they will be held accountable in their ridings.

As it stands now, the MSB can be dangerous instrument wielded for secret purpose. Its inner workings should be exposed for the people to see.


Commitment counts

While this year's fire at the Northern Store in Deline is no doubt a factor, the yearly growth in profits for the 240-member Great Bear co-op proves that, fire or no fire, this co-op is a success.

Great Bear operates a retail store, cable television services and fuel-distribution service, as well as contracts for several other community operations including the post office.

With sales in 1997-98 at $1.4 million, and the year prior coming in at $1.2 million, the co-op has been steadily increasing its return to its members.

A payroll of $250,000 going out in wages to residents, is also an impressive contribution to the community. And ultimately, contributing to the community is what co-ops are all about.


Underdog blues

There are a lot of people betting that Nunavut won't succeed but the naysayers need to look closely at the battles that are won every day.

Most recently, the Qikiqtaaluk Wildlife Board took another huge step towards self-governance by getting control of the outpost camp program, thereby allowing for the greater autonomy of operators.

Rome wasn't built in a day. If the small victories continue over the next eight months, the odds are pretty good that Nunavut will come together one step at a time.


Congrats grads

Rankin Inlet graduates who proudly accepted their Grade 12 diplomas last week are models for all those students heading back to classes this fall.

Their accomplishment is one all young people should strive for. They clung to their dream and worked to make it a reality. Their smiling faces say it all. They have a future and they know it. Their skills and determination are in demand as the Nunavut government works to fill its staffing requirements over the coming years.

Now is the time for all young people to take advantage of the incentives to become part of Nunavut's future.