Housing on minds of municipal leaders ahead of Iqaluit conference

Newly elected mayors and other municipal officials are set to discuss issues like housing and climate change in Iqaluit next week for the Nunavut Association of Municipalities annual general meeting.

The four-day conference will be held at the Aqsarniit Hotel and Conference Centre from Nov. 27 to 30. All 25 of Nunavut’s communities are members of the association, which was formed more than 20 years ago to represent them and their interests.

Association president Joe Savikataaq Jr., who is mayor of Arviat, said he is looking forward to working with the mayors, some of whom are new to office following the territory’s Oct. 23 municipal elections.

He said his priority will be discussing the territorial government’s plan to build 3,000 new housing units across Nunavut by the end of the decade because local leaders will play a role in making the plan a reality.

“All the municipalities will be [required] to find land,” Savikataaq said.

“I’m excited too because we are going to help solve the housing issues and it affects everything from mental health [to] social issues.”

Premier P.J. Akeeagok, Community and Government Services Minister David Joanasie and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Aluki Kotierk will be among the speakers slated to address the municipal leaders at the AGM.

“Each and every mayor is accountable to their people and the well-being of their community,” said Savikataaq of the role local councils play.

In addition to meetings on various topics, association members will elect a new board of directors and address issues such as cementing a strategic direction as well as professional development.

Savikataaq said he will be seeking re-election as president of the association.