QIKIQTARJUAQ/BROUGHTON ISLAND - The message was clear. Every member of the community who spoke at the public hearing held by the Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission on Jan. 12 said Qikiqtarjuaq should get its own member of the legislative assembly because their community's needs are being neglected.

Qikiqtarjuaq mayor Loasie Audlakiak shared how members of the community feel they are forgotten by their MLA at a hearing held by the Nunavut Electoral Boundaries Commission in the community on Jan. 12. - Emily Ridlington/NNSL photo

"We don't get what we want or need; he rarely comes and nobody here elected that person," said Gamaili Nookiguaq, referring to current Uqqummiut MLA James Arreak.

Arreak's riding includes Qikiqtarjuaq, with a population of 473, and Clyde River, almost twice as large with a population of 820, according to the 2006 census.

The commission was visiting the community at the request of the mayor and council to discuss the boundaries of the 19 constituencies in the territory.

More than 70 people attended the hearing at the hamlet gym to discuss if and which communities should share an MLA and suggestions for name changes to the riding.

The commission is made up of chairman Justice Edward Richard from Yellowknife and members Gordon Main of Arviat and Kirt Ejesiak of Iqaluit.

Jaloo Kooneeliusie said he doesn't think the community will be able to get an MLA because of the small population. He said in ridings made up of more than one community, residents typically vote for the candidate from their own community.

"It's really stressful at times and we wonder why we have to elect an individual as a lot of times it seems like they forget about us," said mayor Loasie Audlakiak.

He and many of the other speakers thanked the commission for coming as he said the hamlet rarely gets visits from officials who want to hear what residents have to say.

Harry Alookie said he felt underrepresented by both the territorial and federal government as they were not taking into account the needs of residents.

With such a small population and many of them being children, there is a high unemployment rate.

"Two per cent of the community has been keeping 98 per cent of the community going," Alookie said, adding he is not sure how long they will be able to continue to do that.

Concerns were raised about problems with the current MLA. People said there many issues that have not been dealt with or addressed including aging infrastructure and providing opportunities for youth.

Jacopie Newkingnak's main complaint was the health centre.

"Our health centre has been here for a long time. I was a young man when it was built; we still have the same one," he said, adding "Clyde River has a new one; they are the first priority."

Markasie Audlakiak said he would like to get better representation so that there is more training and continuing education offered to students.

"Our students are our future," he said, garnering applause from the audience.

If financial constraints were the reason why Qikiqtarjuaq could not get an MLA, Ina Sanguya suggested splitting the salary currently paid to the Uqqummiut MLA between two people.

"I have no doubt what this community wants and we will try to help you," said Main.

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