NUNAVUT
Environment Minister Johnny Mike was clear in the legislative assembly last week that Nunavut would continue to fight any attempts to up-list polar bears to a more controlled status.

A polar bear that didn't want to be awakened stares down Clyde River photographer Niore Iqalukjuak. The Government of Nunavut is prepared to fight any further attempting at up-listing polar bears, which could heavily restrict their trade. - photo courtesy of Niore Iqalukjuak

"The attempts to up-list polar bears are unwarranted and would have negative impacts on the livelihood of harvesters who rely on the economic value of a polar bear hide to supplement their harvest activities," said Mike.

He referenced the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which recently reviewed the impact of the polar bear trade and found it was not a threat to polar bear conservation.

"This is welcome news for Nunavummiut," said Mike. "It confirms what we have known and been saying for many years."

In both 2010 and 2013, attempts were made to up-list polar bears, which Mike said would have effectively ended international trade in polar bear parts.

Mike noted that a third attempt by CITES to up-list polar bears could come in 2016.

Employees working in closets

Sanikiluaq MLA Allan Rumbolt told the legislative assembly that some government workers in the Hudson Bay community are working in inadequate conditions, even rooms that are supposed to be closets.

"Staff at Sanikiluaq's health centre continue to work in overcrowded conditions and an employee in another facility is actually working out of what was intended to be a closet or storage space in the building," he said.

A Nunavut-wide study by the Department of Community and Government Services on office space was recently completed, but Rumbolt was unhappy with the time it took for that to happen.

"In the time that it took to undertake and complete this study, employees in my community have continued to work in overcrowded and inadequate office spaces," he said.

"If the government expects employees to carry out their duties to the fullest extent possible, then the government must provide an environment that facilitates professional excellence."

He said the CGS study should be made available to the public.

Environment Minister Johnny Mike said the GN will see results from the study in December and start making plans afterwards.

"I just want you to understand clearly that we are working on it," said Mike. "Once a decision has been made from the results of the assessment, I will consider tabling that information in the house at that time."

Kiviuq shipping vessel applauded

Quttiktuq MLA Isaac Shooyook applauded the Kivuq fishing vessel, co-owned by hunters and trappers organizations in Qikiqtarjuak, Arctic Bay, Grise Fiord and Resolute Bay through the Arctic Fishery Alliance.

The Kiviuq performed an exploratory fishery in Arctic Bay water at a placed called Akuliaqattaq. During a sea-bottom survey looking for shrimp and snails, Shooyook said the vessel found many things on the bottom of the ocean they did not know were there. The vessel also served as a training experience for residents.

When a group of people, including children, became trapped while hunting whales, the Kiviuq travelled through gale winds to deliver supplies.

"We have been very grateful to the ship called the Kiviuq," said Shooyook through translation.

In another instance, the Kiviuq took five hunters to Devon Island, and Shooyook thanked the crew members for the ensuing shrimp feast.

"It also helps because freight rates are really expensive now," he said through translation. "If I want to buy a boat or a snowmobile, the Kiviuq can bring it up for free. People ordering don't have to pay any freight at all. That really helps our community."