Yellowknife (Dec 06/04) - The legislative assembly closed its latest session Dec. 1. The house will meet again starting Feb. 22.

Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson is surprised by what he views as the Government of Nunavut's reluctance to reveal information to the public. Peterson has been actively questioning a variety of ministers during the current session, and has often expressed frustration by a lack of answers.

"If it is this difficult for elected representatives to get answers from its bureaucracy, it is no wonder much of the public feels alienated from its own government," Peterson told the assembly as part of his members' statement Nov. 30.

Registry rumblings

More than one MLA has concerns over proposed federal gun legislation, which is still being discussed in Ottawa. Arviat MLA David Alagalak said he knows of a lot of Nunavummiut who do not have their guns registered. He wants to see an Iqaluit gun registration office re-opened.

Hudson Bay MLA Peter Kattuk was unsure whether a licence was needed to purchase guns and ammunition.

Justice Minister Paul Okalik said the federal legislation currently does not apply to Nunavut Land Claims beneficiaries.

"Co-op or Northern store employees have to abide by that legislation. But as an Inuk, if I want to borrow a rifle, I can borrow anybody's," Okalik said.

The Government of Nunavut is working within the Supreme Court to ensure Inuit remain exempt from any federal gun legislation.

Why not unilingual?

Quttiktuq MLA Levi Barnabas wants to know why the Government of Nunavut requires people applying for jobs at proposed 24-hour care facilities to speak English.

The standard is unfair considering nurses and doctors working in the North are not required to speak Inuktitut, Barnabas told the legislative assembly on Nov. 26.

"I would urge people to apply for those positions even though they don't speak English," said Minister of Human Resources Louis Tapardjuk.