Gender parity law would be phased out

ANNETTE BOURGEOIS

The Nunavut leader spearheading the Yes campaign for gender parity admitted he shouldn’t have brushed away the issue of a sunset clause so easily.

John Amagoalik, chief commissioner for the Nunavut Implementation Commission, told a press conference Monday that he’s treated the issue of a sunset clause and review of the gender parity plan too lightly.

Nunavut residents must decide in a plebiscite May 26 whether or not they want an equal number of men and women representatives, elected in dual-membership ridings, in the first Nunavut legislative assembly.

“I must admit I think I have probably dismissed the issue a bit too lightly in the past,” Amagoalik said. “Questions about it have been raised and I must apologize I didn’t really treat this as seriously as I should have.”

Amagoalik said some voters are concerned that gender parity, once legislated, is irreversible. He said Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Ron Irwin has already stated he supports the plan, but with a closure, or sunset, clause after two or three elections.

Review recommended

Amagoalik added that Nunavut Tunngavik Inc, in its response to NIC’s Footprints 2 report, suggested a review of gender parity after 12 years.

“People with concerns can rest assured that their concerns will be examined, probably two terms after the first vote.”

Amagoalik added that a review should be a tell-all about how the gender parity plan is working.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to see a token review process. We want this review to be an honest, in-depth review.”

Details on how such a review would take place, if gender parity legislation is passed, would be decided by the Nunavut government.

Yes campaign launched

The Yes side officially kicked off its campaign last week and this week announced its Nunavut-wide tour schedule. Supporters of gender parity, including Amagoalik, NTI secretary-treasurer Natsiq Kango and Pauktuutit president Martha Flaherty will visit eight communities in five days.

Half of those communities are in the Keewatin region ­ Baker Laker, Arviat, Rankin Inlet and Coral Harbour ­ where gender parity has received its most outspoken opposition.

The tour kicks off Saturday in Pond Inlet and Igloolik and moves on to Gjoa Haven and Kugluktuk on Sunday. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are devoted to areas in the Keewatin.