Nunavik MP hears constituents’ concerns about high cost of living, lack of housing on Nunavik tour

Nunavik’s MP Romeo Saganash, back right, stands with some of his constituents during a recent “listening tour,” which also brought him to Kuujjuaraapik and Kuujjuaq. (PHOTO COURTESY OF R. SAGANASH)

Last week, Romeo Saganash, the New Democratic Party MP for Abitibi – Baie James – Nunavik – Eeyou, made a “listening tour” of the communities in the James Bay region and Nunavik, to hear his constituents’ concerns “directly,” an Aug. 23 news release said.

Saganash visited Matagami, the twin communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik and Kuujjuaq, where he met with municipal and band councils, community leaders, organizations and members of the public in a series of meetings.

“This trip was a great opportunity to sit down and listen to my constituents and hear their concerns first-hand,” Saganash said. “I will be taking these concerns that were shared with me back to Ottawa to press the government to act on resolving them”.

The top concerns touched on about the lack of funding for basic services, the need for ambulance services, the rapidly increasing cost of living, the cost of food and quality of food in the North and the lack of affordable housing.