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Communities get broader powers

Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 24/03) - Before the NWT was divided into two territories, Northern communities and the government were negotiating for legislative changes that would make them more self-reliant.

Those changes were passed into law last week by the Nunavut legislative assembly, eight years after the process began.

"These two pieces of legislation are essential to developing vital, vibrant and viable communities that are able to fulfil the Bathurst mandate principle of self-reliance," said Manitok Thompson, minister of Community Government and Transportation.

The two new acts -- the City Towns and Villages Act, and the Hamlets Act -- were the product of the Bathurst mandate, an agreement of principles established by the GN in August 1999.

Changes include: setting out guidelines on the duties and responsibilities of mayor and council; provisions allowing for public access to budgets and audited financial statements; new borrowing guidelines; and broader bylaw making powers.

Iqaluit Centre MLA Hunter Tootoo asked during debate earlier this month whether the amendments would give jurisdictions the power to restrict smoking in private clubs.

Recently, Iqaluit city council restricted smoking in all public places except bars, because they lacked the power to restrict smoking in private clubs.

The city felt that would put public bars at an unfair disadvantage against clubs like the Royal Canadian Legion.

Thompson said regulations on tobacco control were not included in the latest legislation.

MLA Glenn McLean, chair of the standing committee on Community Empowerment and Sustainable Development, said the amendments address many of the concerns held by members of the committee.

He added that the committee will work to ensure the changes don't put undue stress on Northern communities.

"Community empowerment without the necessary resources is not empowerment at all," said McLean.

"The committee will continue working to ensure that when additional responsibilities are given to the municipalities, adequate support is given by the government."