Ports will not be voter bait, Tootoo vows
Infrastructure projects announced just before election called
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, August 17, 2015
NUNAVUT
The Liberals will not allow the Conservatives to hold Nunavummiut hostage during this federal election, Nunavut Liberal candidate Hunter Tootoo stated in a news release Aug. 12.
Two port infrastructure projects announced by the Conservatives "will not be used as voter bait," he said, adding he's making sure these projects become a reality regardless of who wins the election.
"Like most Nunavummiut, I was skeptical when I heard Leona Aglukkaq announce that Iqaluit and Pond Inlet were getting new ports.
The Conservatives have re-announced the Iqaluit port four times since 2006 but have taken zero action," stated Tootoo.
"Their timing for these announcements is more than suspect. It's clear that Leona Aglukkaq and Stephen Harper are just using these projects to buy votes on the eve of the federal election period. Is the funding actually committed for these projects? Or is Leona Aglukkaq just using these projects to hold Nunavut voters hostage?"
Tootoo also stated that if the funding is committed, it will remain committed, "even after the Conservatives lose the election," because the Liberals "believe that projects like these deserve to move forward without political interference."
