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March 19, 2004

Nunavik leaders meet Paul Martin

Prime Minister Paul Martin met a bevy of Nunavik leaders this week to talk about housing, infrastructure and taxation

On Monday, when Martin was in Val d'Or, he met with Pita Aatami, the president of Makivik Corporation; George Berthe, Makivik's corporate secretary; Johnny Adams, the chair of the Kativik Regional Government; Michael Gordon, the mayor of Kuujjuaq; and Muncy Novalinga, a municipal councillor from Puvirnituq.

"We had his undivided attention. We're very lucky to have had this meeting," Aatami told Nunatsiaq News.

The meeting was arranged by Nunavik's member of Parliament, Guy St.-Julien.

"The number one issue was housing," Aatami said.

Nunavik wants to negotiate another five-year agreement with Ottawa on social housing — but is looking for a one-year extension on its current deal, so housing construction can continue in the region.

"He was very, very sympathetic and he wants to help," Aatami said.

The leaders also urged Martin to find nine million dollars needed to complete Nunavik's marine infrastructure program. So far, the federal government has given $35 million, a sum matched by Quebec, but Quebec has promised a total of $44 million for new docks, as long as Ottawa gives the same amount.

Other issues raised at the meeting include Nunavik's high level of provincial and federal taxation, as well as concern over the federal government's delay in signing the overlapping offshore agreements for Nunavik's marine region.

"We're that close, but there are some people holding it back," Aatami said.

At the end of the meeting, Aatami asked Martin to visit Nunavik.

"He said he wants to come to Nunavik," Aatami said, but no date was fixed.

However, this Sunday in Kuujjuaq, the leaders of Nunavik's organizations will host Andy Mitchell, the new federal minister of Indian and Northern Affairs.

March 19, 2004

March 26 voting day for Makivik beneficiaries

About 4,700 Nunavimmiut will be eligible to vote in next Friday's election for a new vice-president of their birthright organization, Makivik Corporation.

Beneficiaries of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement who over 18 can vote at polling stations set up in every community, including Chisasibi, at either the landholding corporation or municipal offices from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 26.

Eligible voters in Montreal can vote at a polling station at the Montreal Inuit Association's office in Lachine, or at a mobile poll for Nunavimmiut receiving medical treatment.

Those living in the South outside of Montreal, in correctional centres or working on shrimp boats, may vote by proxy — but they should check with their local landholding or hamlet office first, suggests Adamie Padlayat, the returning officer for Makivik's election.

Votes for two vacant board positions have already been held, Padlayat said, with Mark Papigatuk Sr. elected in Salluit and Charlie Fleming in Chisasibi.

George Berthe was elected by acclamation for a third term as corporate secretary of Makivik.

March 5, 2004

School board won't appeal

The Kativik School Board's commissioners announced last week they would not appeal a recent court decision that rejected the school board's bid to stop Nunavik's self-government negotiations.

The council of commissioners passed a resolution authorizing its executive committee and president to talk to Makivik Corporation's executives "to attempt to open a dialogue." They will also attempt to resolve the court dispute through mediation, appoint a fourth negotiator to the existing Nunavik team of three, who would represent the school board, and participate in the self-government negotiations and the technical and advisory committee to "protect and promote education's interests."

The resolution also asks Makivik's executive to produce a similar resolution, affirming its commitment to work with the KSB, and "to stop its undermining and attack of KSB and education representatives on the radio and otherwise."

The Makivik board will consider a response to the school board's resolution when it meets next week.

March 5, 2004

MNAs visit Nunavik

"Beau soleil, partout, partout, partout!" was how Michel Létourneau, member of Quebec's national assembly for Ungava riding, described the bright, sunny weather that followed the legislative commission, La Commission des Institutions, last week during its tour through northern Quebec.

The commission's members include Liberals, Parti Québécois and the Action Démocratique MNAs.

Their tour included stops in Ouje-Bougoumou, Radisson and Kuujjuaq.

For all but Létourneau, who has visited Nunavik frequently, it was the first visit to northern Quebec.

"It didn't just open their eyes, they literally fell out of their chairs. I speak a lot of the North, but when you've never been in the North, you can read all about it, but it's not the same ... they can't imagine the space. "

Létourneau said the commission heard slightly different messages, depending on where they were.

"The Jamesians [Québécois living in Radisson] and Cree were concerned about professional development and educational services. Some concerns were specific to Nunavik, such as taxes," Létourneau said.

In Kuujjuaq the commission met with representatives from the major organizations, including Makivik Corporation and the Kativik Regional Government.

"Our objective was, three years after the signing of the Paix des Braves and the Sanarrutik, to see how things were going and whether people were happy," Létourneau said.

These two agreements gave Cree and Inuit in northern Quebec millions of dollars for economic development in return for possible hydro-electric development in the future.

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