Nunavut legislature returns for fall sitting

Members of Nunavut’s legislative assembly returned to Iqaluit on Thursday afternoon for the fall sitting, which runs until Nov. 5, after a four-month summer break, Nunatsiaq News reported.

Speaker David Joanasie opened with words for the families of the four soldiers killed and 39 injured in Saturday’s fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright in Alberta. Flags have flown at half-mast at government buildings all week.

Premier John Main also referred to Alberta in his opening statement, praising the result of Monday’s provincial referendum, in which 75 per cent of voters rejected holding another referendum on separating from Canada. “I was pleased to see a strong result reflecting a desire to remain in Canada,” Main said.

Cambridge Bay MLA Fred Pedersen echoed him. “This alleviates a lot of fears and questions that Kitikmeot residents and this government would have faced if the result was different,” Pedersen said.

Health Minister Janet Brewster announced the start of the fall immunization campaign, with influenza and COVID-19 clinics for Nunavummiut aged six months and older. An enhanced flu vaccine is available for people 65 and older. Nurses vaccinated MLAs, government staff and visitors at the legislature through much of the day.

“Receiving seasonal immunizations every fall helps protect our most vulnerable community members, including our elders,” Brewster said.

The assembly also welcomed Jason Iqaluq of Sanikiluaq, who won the Hudson Bay riding in a Sept. 28 byelection. He replaces Daniel Qavvik, who resigned in June. “The need for the community infrastructure remains great,” Iqaluq said in his opening address. “I will be working with local leadership to advocate for investment.”

MLAs return Friday morning for first reading of several bills.

The sitting comes as Iqaluit’s city council weighs a $216-million capital budget. In the neighbouring territory, the N.W.T. cabinet has also changed, with Denny Rodgers named health minister, and finance minister Caroline Wawzonek has forecast a $39-million deficit.

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Source: Nunatsiaq News