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Death and taxes NWT News/North - Monday, January 10, 2011
Budgets are presented and approved annually at council meetings, but the number of residents who attend those meetings is sparse and few could probably say if budget items are truly reflective of the costs. Watchdog groups such as the newly-formed Hay River Ratepayer's Society are an excellent way to police municipal spending. That's not to say that communities are being unscrupulous when it comes to taxing their citizens -- although mismanagement and mistakes are not unheard of. But, members of the public generally have short memories. Many may recall last year's tax increase, but not the year before. For example, most everyone in Fort Smith knows taxes will be increasing five per cent this year. But how many remember what last year's tax increase was? Would you be shocked to know Fort Smith has increased taxes by nearly 13 per cent over the past two years? Tax increases are not necessarily a negative. Small Northern communities generally experience very little population growth while their citizens continue to demand additional services. Perhaps the most poignant example is in the NWT capital: Yellowknife's taxes have increased by a combined 24 per cent in seven years. In comparison, the city's population as risen by a mere three per cent over those seven years, according to Statistics Canada. So where is additional tax money spent? Municipalities point to the increased cost of doing business, such as staff salaries and utilities as major components of their budgets. With each new service or building a community adds to its assets, both those areas of the budget increase -- not to mention the natural increases caused by inflation and cost of living. Unfortunately if costs rise but populations don't, then rising expenses are spread across a stagnant population and a tax hike results. Councils are in a tough spot. While people abhor tax increases they are constantly demanding additional services, new facilities and their sidewalks fixed. A public oversight group, like the Hay River Ratepayer's Society, could act in an advisory capacity to help councils determine their spending priorities. Traditionally, we tell elected governments how we feel about their performance and their spending choices at the polls. But choosing to deny a councillor re-election doesn't negate the choices that might have you paying more on your tax bills. It's easy to complain. Instead, we should all take a more active role in our municipal governments. Electing the right people for the job is one thing, ensuring they stay on track is quite another.
Good news, bad news year Nunavut News/North - Monday, January 10, 2011 A new year is a new opportunity to make things better, and the past year brought to the fore a number of problems that have plagued Nunavut for a decade. The GN's housing survey compiled hard numbers on the extent of overcrowding and disrepair of the territory's units, and it was revealed the government had allowed severe cost overruns in its housing construction projects through lack of oversight. Canada's auditor general also found the Government of Nunavut was falling behind on its Inuit employment goals, which are outlined in Article 23 of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. Also among the unfortunate news from 2010, the territory recorded its highest number of new tuberculosis cases since 1999. A few new worries emerged as well. Two tankers and a cruise ship ran aground in Arctic waters, raising concerns about our capacity to handle maritime emergencies. The federal government did not renew funding for the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, forcing many community programs for residential school survivors to cut back or seek alternative sources of money. However, there were also a few bright spots this past year. Nunavut made a splash at the Vancouver Olympics; not only was the Games' symbol an inuksuk, Northern House - the showcase for all three territories -- had lineups around the block. We brought home 49 uluit from the Arctic Winter Games in Grande Prairie, Alta., -- nine gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze, continuing to excel in Arctic games, table tennis, wrestling. The federal government apologized for relocating families from Pond Inlet and Inukjuaq, Que., to the High Arctic in the 1950s with little support and breaking the promise to take them home after a year or two. Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated unveiled monuments commemorating the trying relocation. Nunavummiut also demonstrated their characteristic generosity, starting the year by raising money for relief efforts in Haiti, ending it by donating food, clothes and gifts to those in need in their communities, and spending the rest of the year contributing to the usual array of community feasts, loonie/toonie sales, craft and bake sales, raffles, bingos and radio appeals. There are a number of developments expected this year. The new correctional centre is scheduled to open in Rankin Inlet, easing perennial overcrowding at the Baffin Correctional Centre; and Pangnirtung's small craft harbour is expected to be completed, a beacon of hope for Nunavut's emerging fishing industry. Production at the Meadowbank gold mine should increase to 362,000 ounces, and interest and spending in mineral exploration continues to increase. The new Nutrition North program that replaces Food Mail takes full effect April 1, though it remains to be seen whether it will bring down the cost of food. Athletes will soon be heading down to compete in the Canada Winter Games, and we wish them all the best. Here's hoping Nunavut makes progress this year on its challenges and problems while maintaining the values we hold dear.
2011 a big year for Yellowknife Yellowknifer - Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Economically, 2010 was an improvement over 2009: there were no recession-induced shutdowns at any of the three diamond mines in the territory and the long-awaited approval for the Mackenzie Valley pipeline promises another boom on the horizon - if it ever does get built. Still, Yellowknife's diamond cutting and polishing industry remains on the ropes, there are too many empty retail spaces in the city, and the cost of living here continues to be a cause for concern. Mayor Gord Van Tighem can point to many successes in beautifying the city, reducing our carbon footprint and providing state-of-the-art facilities. But when he says it's been the city's good fortune that there has been government grants to help pay for these projects, he and council colleagues would be wise to acknowledge many gifts from Ottawa come with strings attached, which require a corresponding amount of financial support from city ratepayers. That city spending has doubled to $60 million from 10 years ago should be raising alarm bells. The city is embarking on the biggest capital project it has ever attempted with its plan to tap underground heat from Con Mine to create a geothermal heating system for the city's downtown core. The $60.4 million project holds promise but the city's spending habits over the last several years are reason enough to be wary of it. City council must resist the temptation to plow ahead with the plan if administration is unable to categorically demonstrate that the rewards far outweigh the risks. Another massive capital project awaits its moment of truth this year. Construction on the $182 million and climbing Deh Cho Bridge is expected to conclude in November. Its completion means the days of worrying about erratic ferry service and gas shortages are over. But a permanent link to the south also raises questions about the federal government's attitude toward its employees here and the continuation of their northern living allowances. There is also uncertainty about how much the price of goods will rise once transportation companies shift bridge tolls onto consumers. To date, the territorial government has not be able to convince many residents the bridge - which is dependent upon the commercial tolls to pay it off over the next 35 years - was a worthwhile investment. Speaking of the GNWT, the legislative assembly is entering into an election year. Many people have been disappointed with the performance of the government since the last election. Premier Floyd Roland's personal failings and uninspiring leadership haven't helped, but the frustration runs deeper than that. Residents are searching for a government that doesn't need to be browbeaten every time it unveils policies that prove unpopular, whether it be making seniors pay for supplementary health benefits or merging elected schools boards into appointed ones. Hopefully, some strong MLA candidates step forward for 2011. On the social front, the opening of the day shelter was good news but more is needed. The Yellowknife YWCA has been tasked with building a women's transitional home as a companion to Bailey House, where homeless men can turn their lives around. Social problems continue to dog Yellowknife, which is all the more reason for city leaders to get behind the women's home. All in all, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about 2011, but still some need to worry. Most Yellowknifers would probably be content with some strong vision from government and a few less pennies draining from their pockets.
Thanks to contributors and respect for Tootoo Darrell Greer Kivalliq News - Wednesday, January 5, 2011 Well, valued readers, here we are at the start of a brand-new year in 2011. May I wish you all a prosperous new year. As always, I like to start the new year by thanking the people across the Kivalliq who help me keep this publication truly regional. Gord Billard returned to Arviat in 2010, and he picked up right where he left off in sending me numerous photos and great story ideas from his community. Noel Kaludjak always goes above and beyond the call in helping me keep up with what's happening in his community of Coral Harbour, and his photography skills just keep getting better and better. Glen Brocklebank continues to send photos and information from Chesterfield Inlet, despite the fact his hands are pretty full as a father these days. There are many others in the region who help out from time to time, especially when it comes to sending photos, and I owe each and every one of them a huge thank you for their efforts. And last, but by no means least, there is another group of folks who I hold in great esteem, but can never name publicly. They are the people who let me know when certain leaders, organizations, agencies and the government, itself, stray from the straight-and-narrow path. These folks help us shine the light of openness and accountability into the darkest of corners, and they're to be commended for their honesty and integrity. Being a journalist often prevents me from becoming good friends with a number of people who I'd love to know better. It's simply the nature of the beast in this vocation for those of us who try to do our job in a professional manner. Put a group of people in a room talking about what went on at any given event -- and only a police officer can silence the open talk quicker than the local scribe, simply by entering the room. During my time in the Kivalliq, I've become a fan and respectful admirer -- if not a true friend -- of a number of people from various walks of life. That list includes local politicians who went on to become cabinet ministers and those who worked so hard to make Nunavut a reality and bring Inuit the respect they deserve, to educators and regular folks who work so hard to make their community a better place to live. Among those I respect so much is one Mr. Jordin Tootoo. And, my admiration for the young man grew in leaps and bounds this past week when he admitted he had a problem and decided to do something about it. One thing the Tootoo Train has never been short on is internal fortitude (read: guts) and this took a ton of it. All of Nunavut should admire the courage it took for Tootoo to face his problem, and show him nothing but total support in his attempt to overcome it. None of us are perfect, not even NHL stars. As human beings we all make mistakes, but the true measure of our character is in admitting our mistakes and doing what it takes to correct them. On those fronts, Tootoo has just become a 50-goal scorer.
A vision for a stronger future Editorial Comment Roxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, December 23, 2010
The decision has been long awaited considering the project's proponents submitted their major application for the pipeline six years ago. Those years have concluded with a green light for the project. Instead of jubilation and mass celebrations, however, in Fort Simpson at least there's an air of quiet acceptance. The decision is good news, the project is still alive, but there are serious questions about how long that status will be maintained. A lot of large obstacles stand between the dream of a pipeline and a working conduit for natural gas not the least of which are economic feasibility and the current low price of the commodity. There are also the 200 conditions that the board's approval is dependent on and the thousands of permits. While some are holding out hope many people are taking a realistic view about the chances of a pipeline bringing economic prosperity to the Deh Cho region. As Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly said, no one is holding their breath. It's good, therefore, to see groups taking steps to ensure whether or not the pipeline is built they have a plan for their economic future. Dehcho Regional Helicopters is a perfect example. The 100 per cent aboriginal owned company was formed in 2004 by the investment arms of Acho Dene Koe First Nation, the Fort Simpson Metis Nation, Nahanni Butte Dene Band, Sambaa K'e Dene Band and Jean Marie River First Nation. The organizations wanted to capitalize on the exploration and seismic activities that were taking place. Since then the company has prospered. In 2008 the business purchased its first helicopter for $1.6 million. The NWT Chamber of Commerce named it the 2010 Business of the Year. Most recently the company's ownership base has expanded to include the economic arms of Pehdzeh Ki First Nation of Wrigley and Liidlii Kue First Nation of Fort Simpson. Every First Nation in the Nahendeh region is now part of Dehcho Regional Helicopters. The company is an example of what can be achieved when First Nations come together and work co-operatively on a solid business plan. While Dehcho Regional Helicopters would benefit if the Mackenzie Gas Project went forward it has other contracts to supply revenue. If the optimists are right, however, and the pipeline becomes a reality, strong partnerships like Dehcho Regional Helicopters will allow the region to draw economic benefits from the Mackenzie Gas Project.
Christmas tale for our readers Editorial Comment Aaron Beswick Inuvik Drum - Thursday, December 23, 2010
You've lived with the pipeline's hope of economic improvement, discussed the possible consequences to the environment and how to leave a smaller footprint on the land for decades. So if you see me around town, I'd rather hear about the pipeline from you. I've got a lot to learn. The greatest pleasure of my job is being invited into people's lives and communities. At no time is the honour felt more keenly than at Christmas - a time when communities are in full bloom celebrating family and friends and when I'm missing my own on the East Coast. I had the pleasure of feasting and dancing with you at the Midnight Sun Complex, hearing your songs at the Community Christmas Concert in the lovely igloo church and seeing a thoughtful play at the Baptist Church. The play, Miracle on Mackenzie Road, discusses the consequences of a future in which the Christmas season has been stripped of religion and how the message of Christ is critical to keep it from becoming just another consumerist holiday. Christ is inseparable from Christmas. So are children. While I'm not qualified to talk to you about God or children (I don't have any), I do know the latter's importance to communities. It's often in something's absence that we see its real value, so with that in mind I'll share a story of Christmas from another coast. Croque is a community drawing its last breaths among rotting fishing boats at the tip of Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula. Youth left with the cod and two years ago Croque's K-12 school had three students. The principal/teacher/secretary had to join the three boys, aged 10, 11 and 13, to make up a doubles match in the school's main sport - ping-pong. The wooded and well-protected little harbour, around which the three boys travelled to school by foot and snowmobile, is beautiful and quiet. But one evening a year something very special happens in Croque. All foot prints and snowmobile tracks lead to the community hall, glowing with light and laughter over a frozen harbour. It's the school Christmas concert and every soul from Croque and neighbouring Grandois, whose residents keep an axe by the pond from which they gather their water, are there. The boys don disguises as they go through their elaborate skits and warm all hearts in a conspiracy - for one evening they pretend there are more than three boys and they all still live in a busy little harbour where swarms of children jig rock and outnumber the gulls. It's not true and most return home to remember their children are in Alberta and the proud traditions and culture formed over a century in their little corner have little place in the modern world. But the play and a few moments of wonderful make believe, crammed shoulder to shoulder in a little hall, is as great a Christmas gift as any. Give gardeners a green thumbs up Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, January 7, 2011
The memorandum basically amounts to a "rules are rules" dissertation of why the garden collective must pay the city $3,009.25 in property taxes for 2010, plus $109.31 in late penalties. Six other registered societies in town don't get a property tax exemption, so why should the garden collective get a break? So the logic goes, never mind that the gardening group with a membership of 120 has never been asked to pay taxes in its 15 years of existence, and the modest amount it collects in membership fees -- $2,400 - is not enough to cover the taxes. Give the garden collective a break and the floodgates will open to demands for more tax exemptions. And so what? The list of societies that are forced to pay property taxes includes the Yellowknife Women's Society, Yellowknife Playschool Association, and the Great Slave Yacht Club. Together these six groups provide the city with $26,000 in property taxes. It seems unlikely their exclusion from the tax roll - were they to make a convincing argument to be taken off it - will break the bank on a spendthrift $61 million budget. And the garden collective makes some strong points. It offers a place for people - particularly apartment dwellers without yards - to grow cheap food. A quarter of what they grow goes to local charities. City councillors often talk about the high cost of living in the city; one of the city's objectives is to "improve quality of life by promoting healthy and active lifestyle choices." The city itself acknowledges that were the garden collective to start paying taxes, yearly plot fees would have to be raised to $45 from $20. On top of other expenses, like seeds and gardening tools, some members are bound to feel it's no longer worthwhile if their fees double. And as letter writer Lorraine Hewlett points out - her letter is on the next page - what's the rationale for deciding some organizations, like the ski club and Yellowknife Golf Club, provide "municipal services" and thus are tax exempt, but the garden collective is not? Some city councillors -- Bob Brooks, Cory Vanthuyne, and David Wind and Lydia Bardak -- are trying to push the gardeners into seeking a special grant from the city, which could then be used to pay off the tax bill. But as garden collective spokesperson Dwayne Wohlgemuth said, it seems pointless to pay city property taxes with money collected from city revenue. Besides, there is already a mountain of competition for city grants and not enough money to cover all the requests. It would be irresponsible for councillors to prod one more group in that direction. It's within council's power to grant the collective an exemption, and there are not enough good reasons to insist it pays taxes. Demanding that community gardeners do so would paint another portrait of council following administration's rules for rules' sake alone.
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