Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Friday, April 30, 2007

IQALUIT - The city's solid waste management steering committee has been dissolved. A new steering committee with an updated mandate is to be struck and blended with the public works committee of the whole.

The solid waste management committee had been looking into initiatives such as composting, recycling and various issues at the dump including leachate.

Following a committee meeting on April 18, deputy mayor Al Hayward said the new terms of reference need to be clear.

"Just a little more focus on the actual issues and projects they want to tackle will help the individuals who are interested in participating in that committee," said Hayward.

At Tuesday's council meeting, Coun. Jim Little called the dissolution "regrettable" and said he was very much opposed to disbanding the solid waste management committee. Although the committee had not yet made any recommendations to council, Little said some were in the works.

It was agreed that it would be helpful for the former members of the solid waste management steering committee to give their input towards a new mandate.

A statement on violence

As promised, Coun. Glenn Williams introduced a motion to request the resignation of any city councillor convicted of a violent act. He said a zero tolerance policy would send a message to the community that its elected leaders are serious about standing up against violence.

Although he said he's in favour of promoting healthy living, Coun. Simon Nattaq advised that even a little slap to a child could be viewed as violence, so the policy must be worded carefully.

Coun. Claude Martel agreed that the word "abuse" was too vague. Children in the back of a vehicle where the drivers are smoking with the windows up could be considered to be abused, he suggested.

Williams replied that he's far more concerned with the big issue rather than small, hypothetical ones.

Coun. Jim Little recommended that the policy include any indictable offence rather than just ones relating to violence. Regardless, council gave the motion its initial consent.

PETA is coming!

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has accepted the City of Iqaluit's invitation to visit for a first-hand look at how the seal hunt is conducted here and what sealing means to Nunavummiut.

"Wow," was Mayor Elisapee Sheutiapik's surprised response to PETA's acceptance of the offer. She said she would contact the Government of Nunavut to make arrangements jointly.

More costly to bail out your pooch

The city is going to start charging a boarding fee for animals that have been put in the pound. The rate has yet to be set, but the initial suggestion is $10 per day.

The city already has existing fines of $200 for dogs attacks and $150 if a dog is released from the shelter without permission.