Reader slams Nunatsiaq News for “propaganda”

A big lot in Iqaluit’s Plateau subdivision that in 2013 sat empty. The Government of Nunavut will conduct votes in each Nunavut community on May 9 to ask municipal voters if they want their municipal governments to be able to sell lots, instead of just leasing them. (FILE PHOTO)

The final two paragraphs of this article are propaganda that I suspect Nunatsiaq News would want to avoid.

The final paragraph is simply untrue.

The second to last paragraph is only true because it is expressed as being the opinion of “some people.” If stated as fact, it would also be untrue.

In covering this issue, Nunatsiaq News needs to be cognizant of the interests at play. Also be careful of what “some people” say. If they don’t have a name, then I would be suspicious of such opinions.

My bias is pro-land claim. Nunavut Tunggavik Inc. tends to only protect its land claim interests, but there are other interests and aboriginal interests out there that need advocates.

Here is the first important question I see:

The Government of Nunavut is not obliged to hold this vote. Permitted but not required. Why have they decided to do so at this time?

Here is the second important question:

Who stands to gain and-or lose in this issue based on a yes or no vote? This is a question I am still trying to discern. It is admittedly complex.

Consider this:

Municipal land ownership is a result of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and Inuit traded rights for each of these provisions. What was the goal of the NLCA in this and has it been achieved?

Anne Crawford
Iqaluit

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