Iqaluit’s outgoing city council says farewell

On Tuesday night, city staff, Mayor Madeleine Redfern and councillors Joanasie Akumalik, Kuthula Matshazi, Kyle Sheppard, Noah Papatsie, Romeyn Stevenson and Simon Nattaq all filed or dialled into the last sitting of the current Iqaluit city council.

While there were a number of business-as-usual council matters to attend to, the conversations toward the second half of the sitting were reflective.

When the council next meets on Nov. 12, it will look different.

Redfern will not be returning, nor will Matshazi.

The remaining councillors present are all seeking positions on the next iteration of council, but won’t know whether or not they’ll be taking a seat until after the upcoming municipal election on Monday, Oct. 28.

Parting remarks

Many used some of Tuesday’s meeting as an opportunity for farewell remarks.

“I’m proud as a group here of what we’ve done over the past four years, and I’m definitely hopeful, I feel positive about how the city is going and how it’s going to grow,” said Coun. Stevenson.

“I feel like it’s going to be a better place to live, a better place to work and a better place to raise your family in the future because we’re on a path that’s positive. That path doesn’t happen without the [city] staff. So I just wanted to say thank you.”

He was followed by Coun. Sheppard, who praised Redfern’s work as mayor.

“I definitely appreciate your leadership and guidance over the term. There were things accomplished by the city during your tenure that could not have been done without you. I don’t think enough can be said in appreciation of the work you’ve done over that period of time, so I really do thank you.”

Coun. Papatsie also followed suit.

“Thank you, Madame Mayor. Thank you also to the translators. I too am grateful for the support and understanding here and we also planned for the future. The issue of disabled and handicap was supported and I’m happy about that. And all the employees, thank you. For those that are always busy at their routine work servicing the community, thank you, Iqalungmiut. And let’s be aware and live together properly and have a good future. Let’s work together. Thank you.”

“It’s good to see that we have gained financial ground—it makes us better and it makes the community better. And they do have to support a lot of the expensive things we’re trying to do. I’m grateful for this and I also want Iqaluit to prosper,” said Coun. Nattaq.

Coun. Akumalik, like the rest in the room, thanked a long list of people including city staff, his family, the media and the mayor. He concluded his remarks by looking at the future. “For those running for the election, Monday is a long way. I think we had the largest advanced poll percentage-wise yesterday. I’m looking forward to seeing the results on Monday. It’s gonna be fun again. Thanks for coming on board.”

Lastly, Coun. Matshazi spoke via speakerphone, giving thanks to a long list of people and groups, and while the audio was not clear, Redfern paraphrased: “He did say in closing that this was one of the best experiences of his life and it was a big honour to represent the community. He loves you all and wishes you all the best.”

Giving thanks

Mayor Redfern took the evening as an opportunity to bestow some special recognition of certain businesses and community groups for the work that they have done in the community.

Anggutiit Ikaugatigiit Group (Iqaluit Men’s Counselling Group)
“The men’s group was organized by some men in our community who recognize the value and the need to be able to support our fellow community members who are struggling to deal with issues.”

Piviniit Thrift store and volunteers
“I’m glad that your store is there and especially in times of need—you’ve even extended your goods to those who have lost their homes and their personal possessions in fires or anyone who is in great need, and I’d like to acknowledge the work that you and your volunteers do.”

Tukisigiarvik
“They continue to provide, you know, immense valuable services to our community members. It’s always a place where people are welcome to drop in to get have a cup of tea, eat some bannock, learn some traditional skills and the on-the-land program. They’re a phenomenal group and we’re very lucky to have them in our community.”

Hailu Hunde of Kings Cut and Jennifer Lindell of Jen87 Hairstyling
“It is exceptionally hard to start a new business anywhere and in Iqaluit especially, because of the cost of rent and the cost of operations. There’s a lot of risks associated, you know, one’s hopes and dreams are greatly invested, and it provides services to our community.”

Islamic Society of Nunavut
“We’re again extremely fortunate to have two food banks now in Iqaluit, and the Islamic Society is looking to expand their services and I hope that the next mayor will continue to work with them.”

Canadian Red Cross
“They first came when we had the 4100 fire and they’ve formerly been providing support to our residents in the time of great need, usually after personal disasters such as the loss of a home from a fire.”

Baffin Canners
“They are a family-run business and they make tremendous efforts to provide much-needed affordable food in our community.”

She also extended the appreciation to several residents in the community for their outstanding contributions; Elisapee Davidee, Adamie Itorcheak, Alicee Joamie, Rachel Michael, Kowmagiak Mitsima, Linda Shaimaiyuk, Brian Tattuinee, Cindy Twerdin and Abraham Tungraluk.

Looking forward

As part of her closing remarks, Redfern pivoted from the past to the future.

“I wish all the candidates that are running in the municipal election all the very best. Clearly, these are individuals that care about our community. They’re passionate, they show dedication and commitment and they want what we all want, which is to make the contributions that make our community a better place.”

From there, she also offered some advice to the next council.

“We achieve so much more when we work together and even at times—as Coun. Akumalik says—we do not always agree, it’s important to disagree respectfully. And it is important to accept the decisions of the majority when the decisions are made. And that we always put our community at the forefront when we’re making the decisions that we do around this table.”

With normal business, thank yous and goodbyes out of the way, there was only one thing to be done.

“I believe we only have one last motion for this council meeting and this council term and it is the motion to adjourn,” said Redfern.

“Moved by Councillor Shepherd, seconded by…”

Silence.

“No one wants to end the meeting?”

The room erupts in laughter.