Monday, June 18, 2001
By throwing the Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline into low gear, the Deh Cho First Nations may have given everyone a chance to stop and think about what we're doing.
While the idea of tapping into the NWT's natural gas reserves -- and the wealth that would bring -- is appealing, we must ensure any line is built on our terms.
That's what the message was in 1975 when First Nations spoke so eloquently to Justice Thomas Berger that they were not ready for the changes a pipeline would bring.
We are more ready today, but is the deal worth the price? One-third ownership in a natural gas pipeline sounds great, but is that enough to go around?
And for whom are we doing this? Ourselves, for sure, because there aren't enough jobs to go around. There are other benefits, from a road up the valley to more money for various governments.
What we're really doing, however, is trying to meet the needs of the energy-hungry United States. They have seen record-high natural gas, oil and electricity prices in the past year and want new supplies to drive prices down.
What will the line do to the Valley and the NWT? Can the jobs and wealth balance out social or environmental repercussions?
Most important, however, is how can we maximize the benefits from our own resource?
We need to talk more about the petrochemical industry and opportunities to do more than ship a raw resource south. When diamonds were found, the government made sure some of them stayed in the North and now we have hundreds of jobs in cutting and polishing plants. The same must be done with natural gas. We must ensure maximum benefit with minimum pain.
The federal government took a lot of heat when it brought in mandatory firearms registration and certification. Among the biggest complaints was the bureaucratic burden it would mean for both ordinary law-abiding hunters, of which there are thousands in the North, and for the government itself.
The paperwork and fees, as it turned out, proved less than troublesome for gun owners. But the predictions of red tape overload and skyrocketing management costs are proving well-founded. Processing delays are now commonplace across the country, even for those who rely on guns to put food on the table.
If the Liberal government expects people to respect the law, it must devote enough resources to clear up the backlog, and soon. It's not a bad law, just badly managed.
The territorial government just can't seem to get the tourism thing right.
The tourism sector needs a skilled workforce if the territory is to remain competitive with other Northern travel destinations - especially with discerning consumers who find service here to be less than first-rate.
The government recognized that and financed a tourism training course for high school students in Yellowknife and Inuvik. For that, it deserves applause.
But why wasn't the industry consulted? Hotels, restaurants and tour companies are crying out for workers. They are willing to provide on-the-job training.
If government and industry shared ideas and training costs, everyone would benefit.
More than half of Nunavut's population received some form of income support last year.
If that information is too general to drive the point home, allow us to personalize it a little.
Roughly 14,000 people living in 4,500 homes -- your neighbours, your mothers, your elders, yourselves -- were paid $22 million in social assistance. The money was used to feed your children, clothe your families and keep you sheltered.
To be even more specific, a family of eight living in Taloyoak is given about $1,453 each month to buy food. That's an average of $6 a day per person. For residents inclined to think this is ample income, note that two litres of milk at the Co-op in Taloyoak is $6.59. The hand-out, as some would call it, isn't even enough to buy a daily carton of milk.
What kind of feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy must that inspire in people, to know they don't have the financial means to provide their own flesh and blood with nutrition?
It's easy to understand why people feel bereft and lack self-esteem.
For those residents inclined to say income support recipients should just go out and get a job and earn some self-worth, consider that a lack of skills and job opportunities work together to keep Nunavummiut out of the labour force.
Bleak as the situation is, change is afoot. Peter Kilabuk, the minister responsible for income support, recently released the results of a comprehensive review of the program's policy. The goal was to ask residents what kind of social assistance program would best suit their needs.
Resoundingly, Nunavummiut said they wanted programs that would help end the cycle of dependence. More training and skills development programs were requested and income support workers are being trained to better direct residents towards career development.
When the new policy is released, it won't be perfect. But at least it will be designed upon the wishes of the people -- people who want self-sufficiency and an end to government dependence.
The sealift idea is simple. You -- an individual, a business, or government -- place an order, it's put on a ship and brought to your port once the ice breaks up.
For 30 years, running the sealift was the Coast Guard's responsibility.
Recently, the annual resupply effort was turned over to a private partnership -- and the price of having goods shipped North to the Eastern Arctic dropped by 18 per cent.
That's a major decrease, enough to make one wonder why it costs the federal government more to do the same job.
And enough to make one wonder if we've been ripped off for the past 30 years.
Let's just hope that the privately-run sealift will continue to find efficiencies and lead to a lower cost of living around the territory.
Iqaluit's six-person firefighting staff is set to grow by two personnel -- hopefully this month. And not a moment too soon.
As if any more was needed, the recent rash of fires, including First Air's maintenance hanger, is proof that the current service is stretched to the limit.
Wheaton and his staff desperately want to avoid a repeat of last summer's gruelling back-to-back overtime shifts.
If anything, the additional firefighters will only maintain the status quo because now firefighters, who double as paramedics, are booking off for much deserved holidays.
The result will likely be a repeat of Fire Chief Neville Wheaton carrying around a clipboard, unsure who or how shifts will be filled.
Here's hoping the new arrivals appear sooner rather than later.
Editorial Comment
Malcolm Gorrill
Inuvik Drum
A town is more than just a collection of buildings and roads.
And a community is more than just a place to live, it can and should be a place worth living in.
Those who gathered at a special meeting last week at the Midnight Sun Recreation Complex know that. They came to hear from, and talk with, officials charged with devising a long term vision plan for the town.
A number of proposals were put forth to make Inuvik a better place to reside in. Some, such as cleanup of garbage throughout town, are being implemented already or could be set in motion quickly.
Other proposals, such as adding to existing trails and parks in the area, might take longer to implement.
However, where there's a will, there's a way. It was pointed out at the meeting that companies and various levels of government could help fund projects.
Plus, never underestimate volunteer power. That can make pricey or seemingly hard to achieve goals possible.
Sprucing up the town, and creating a more pleasant environment, will help draw more tourists but, even more importantly, it'll benefit residents and create more community pride.
This process also is important for allowing and encouraging residents to have a big say in how their community might look five or 10 years down the road.
Having fun with nature
Enthusiasm abounded last week at the Inuvik Ski Club, as many Sir Alexander Mackenzie students paid a visit.
The occasion was the third annual Nature Day, put on by the Gwich'in Renewable Resource Board.
Kids got to take part in many fun activities, including a scavenger hunt. Along the way they learned about things such as the long migration fish go through, and other important facts about the environment.
Such events can instill into children a respect for the world around them, and a greater desire to learn more.
A fun trip
Adults can have fun too.
About 30 people took part last weekend in the Inuvik Ride for Sight's annual trek, so as to raise funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness.
The trekkers couldn't go as far as usual, since the ferry wasn't going yet at Peel River, but from all accounts a good time was still had by all.
Secretary Jo Whiteside explained that the society raises funds throughout the year, but that this is their big annual event.
Those involved should be congratulated for managing to tie in riding along the Dempster Highway on motorbikes during this time of the year, with raising money for a good cause.
Editorial Comment
Derek Neary
Deh Cho Drum, Fort Simpson
Why is the issue of safety emerging as the debate heats up over whether all of Fort Simpson's air services should be located at the Department of Transportation airport?
Would the government have allowed the privately-operated airstrip in town to operate for decades if it wasn't safe all this time? That would be completely irresponsible. And if the in-town runway is safe, then the issue is a red herring.
Nobody wants to see lives at stake -- and there haven't been any lives lost to accidents to date -- but nobody wants to see local businesses get trampled either.
Interestingly, there were two airport infrastructure items mentioned as priorities for government investment during last week's village council meeting: paving the runway and upgrading the airport terminal building. The runway tender has already been awarded, so that much is being done regardless of the final airport development plan. Consultant Kevin Hodgins said the paving is necessary for safety purposes and therefore has to be done as soon as possible.
If the only other order of business is a new terminal building, that's a questionable priority. The existing structure certainly isn't on the verge of collapse. Perhaps only renovations are necessary to the existing terminal building. A white elephant isn't necessary, especially when the consultants admitted to council that their research indicates only seven per cent growth is anticipated in Fort Simpson's population over the next 18 years. If that turns out to be true, what currently exists is adequate. If a boom occurs, surely the increased air traffic will necessitate an updated or revised airport development plan.
It seems that the threat to shut down the Transport Department's airport, should the status quo continue, is an empty one.
There is supposed to be one more public consultation session before the airport development plan is finalized. If residents of Fort Simpson really care about this matter, they would be well served to turn out at that meeting and make their feelings known.
Getting feedback
While other NWT regions may have been disappointed with the Deh Cho First Nations' decision to withhold its signature on the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline agreement in Hay River last week, it was only to be expected. Decisions such as this one have major implications. Being in the midst of self-government negotiations, the DCFN feel compelled to give the people of the region a say in whether or not the impact of signing the agreement is acceptable. Does the deal include the best possible terms? Grand Chief Michael Nadli has asked. These are the details that must be analysed.
It's not the time for a snap decision, but too much foot-dragging will also elicit contempt. An extension to the Deh Cho Assembly equates to a few more weeks of reflection. With so many people waiting on their decision, the DCFN should then have the courtesy to make a statement either in favour or against the pipeline rather than leaving things in limbo.
Editorial Comment
Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News
Well, valued readers, by the time you're reading this I will already have my feet up and be resting comfortably on vacation. Don't be alarmed, however, you won't find a Gone Fishin' sign in the window of Kivalliq News.
I will be leaving the newspaper in the capable hands of Northern News Services reporter Jorge Barrera for the next five weeks. I'm confident he will grow to appreciate Rankin Inlet and the entire Kivalliq region as much as my family and I have.
To be totally honest (even a bit weird, some might say), I'm almost a little leery about going on vacation right now with so many exciting events about to happen in the Kivalliq. (Almost, not but quite.)
Kivalliq Inuit Association reps travel to Wager Bay this week to sign off on the final agreement to create a brand new park at Wager Bay. Once the park is in full operation, I expect local hamlet councils and Nunavut Tourism will have numerous effective ideas in place to see a number of Kivalliq hamlets benefit economically from the park's creation.
Concert ahoy
I'm spending the first couple of weeks of my vacation right here at home in Rankin, so I won't miss out on any Jammin' on the Bay music festival developments.
A definite buzz has been created by the festival, which promises to be a huge economic boom to our region, showcase a number of our own fine artists and promote Inuit culture to the rest of Canada.
We here at Kivalliq News sincerely hope Quassa's vision for the festival reaches fruition and Jammin' on the Bay is so successful it becomes an annual event.
Good choice
As I mentioned to a representative from Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) when interviewing him, they would have to look long and hard to find a more deserving recipient of their inaugural award for teaching excellence than Donald Clark.
The Alaittuq High principal is as revered by many of his students away from the school as he is in the classroom.
Clark is known far and wide for his efforts in hockey rinks across the North and encourages students at every opportunity to be actively involved in sports and other extracurricular pastimes to expand their horizons.
Clark's refusal to accept anything less than a person's best effort, both in the classroom and on the playing field, is one of his strongest attributes and one worthy of the award he has received.
We'll see you next month, folks. Enjoy your summer. I know I'm going to.