Makivik responds to Nunavik businessman

This is in response to the letter from Harvey Mesher (“Makivik muscles in on local business? Sept. 27).

We would like to start by saying that the construction division of Makivik Corporation is fully licensed to carry out construction of the marine infrastructure and Nunavik housing programs funded by the federal and provincial governments.

The construction division operates on a non-profit basis so as to maximize the extent of marine infrastructure facilities and the number of social housing units built in Nunavik.

From time to time, the construction division engages subcontractors to perform specialized work for us. One such subcontractor has been engaged to do drilling and blasting work on our behalf. While present in Kuujjuaq, its services were requested by 11 beneficiary private homeowners to drill wells for them. In order to assist these individuals, it was decided to allow the

subcontractor, through Makivik’s construction division, to perform such work at cost.

We have verified in the Nunavik Business Directory that there is no company registered as carrying out drilling work in Kuujjuaq. We are also aware that Mesher, along with three other individuals, purchased a well-drilling rig to carry out their own personal well-drilling.

Perhaps Mesher should first ask himself why one of his partners in the well-drilling rig was among the first to sign up and pay to have a well drilled through Makivik.

Finally, to answer Mesher’s question, it is the construction division’s intention to provide similar services for private homeowners in other communities, should they so request.

Eileen Klinkig-Studli
Special projects manager
Makivik Corporation