MLA knocks process for selecting legislature’s elder adviser
Joe Savikataaq says program should be open to elders from all communities
MLA Joe Savikataaq speaks to reporters at the legislative assembly. (Photo by Jeff Pelletier)
A pilot program to host an elder adviser in the legislative assembly was assailed as Iqaluit-centric by Arviat South MLA Joe Savikataaq, during a tense exchange in question period Friday.
Lew Phillip, a renowned carver and retired RCMP officer, was selected as the first elder adviser to the legislative assembly earlier this year.
The Department of Culture and Heritage chose the Iqaluit resident based on a “cost analysis,” said Minister Daniel Qavvik, in answer to Savikataaq’s question about the selection process.
“We had no clue how much it will cost,” Qavvik said.
Savikataaq — who emphasized he meant no disrespect to Phillip and his stature as a respected elder — took issue with the department’s decision to rule out bringing in elders from the 24 other Nunavut communities based on what he called the “cheap” price tag.
Qavvik assured MLAs that Tony Akoak, the assembly Speaker, was consulted before an elder was selected.
However, Akoak denied that he was consulted, sparking a stern rebuke to Qavvik from Savikataaq.
“The minister of culture and heritage just misled the house,” Savikataaq said. “So, will the minister of culture and heritage apologize to the house for misleading the house?”
Finance Minister Lorne Kusugak rose on a point of order, breaking the tension by affirming that the Speaker’s clerk was indeed consulted, which appeared to satisfy Savikataaq.
However, Savikataaq maintained his criticism that all members were not similarly consulted.
“None of the MLAs object to an elder being here, but it should be a fair process,” he told Nunatsiaq News later. “Consideration should be given to all three regions and all 25 communities.”
Having to limit the knowledge over money that is just an illusion to stall.. regions were made in understanding they were different..cheap consultation leads to cheap culture…
I would rather see an advisor council from each community along with youth representatives… what is wrong with zoom meetings…Google have the Inuit language now… think of optional ways …..
Start a
Qanurqtuurtiit agency …
Solve a problem agency…
Think… think… think….think…think…
What is an elder advisor meant to accomplish?
This shows the incompetence of the department, not being able to come up with a cost estimate (between you and me the cost should not be a factor in selecting an elder, period!) is just plain lazy and incompetent, there are already information on these cost estimates in the GN.
Who ever the higher ups are in this department are not doing their jobs very well.
When spending other peoples money cost should never be a consideration! Of course
When spending other people’s money cost should be reviewed, what was the reason for not getting an estimate? Lazy? Incompetent? Both? It’s really not that difficult to come up with a cost estimate, this government keeps showing us they cannot do much work, bare minimum at best.
Quite embarrassing.
To advise the Nunavut government, to help steer the Nunavut government in Inuit values, Inuit way of doing things, it’s a big task just for one elder and a huge responsibility I would recommend more elders be given this role with the Nunavut government, working together and supporting each other.
Maybe the should run in the elections if they want to steer the government?
It’s to advise the elected officials, they don’t need to run but give advise and support.
To fully support and implement the Nunavut Agreement which the GN has failed miserably they need more positions like this instead of the over priced consultants the GN always uses, most of these consultants don’t have a clue about Nunavut or the NA.
It’s why the GN does not represent Nunavut very well, trying to be something from the south instead and it is not working very well.
It would be great to have our own government to represent us, right now that’s a far cry.
How many elders really know the NA? I think you’re fantasizing about what their actual capacities are.
It sounds like you don’t know the NA or the elders in Nunavut, just throwing a remark and it shows your lack of understanding, this is why we need more elders and Inuit in the GN, not these revolving door of transient workers that know nothing about Nunavut or the Nunavut Agreement.
Okay, and to me it sounds like you are in a cult.
“a system of… veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object.”
Sound familiar?
But, this is why we have local mla reps, inuit in management, an inuk premier and the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement to work hand in hand, together, mutually both GN, NTI and RIAS.
Is it the job of some unelected rando to ‘steer government’?
Asking for a friend.
The Government already has an Elder Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit group from communities. What would this elder do?? Just a waster of funds. Lew Phillips doesn’t have the knowledge to be an advisor lol! to Government.
This Government doesn’t know any processes -YOU DON’T NEED AN ELDER FOR THAT!!!
Culture and Heritage has no place in the assembly. It doesn’t make any sense to have a department in the speakers space. The speaker or the assembly should decide who they want to invite as an advisor not the government. I dought they would request an advisor as MLAs get their advise from their community seniors or elders.
They’re talking about elder advisor for the MLAs not the government. Why would government choose an advisor for elected members. Communities elected them and they are accountable to their communities not the government. Did the speaker/Clerk creat a budget for this?
laugh out loud too funny. MLAs do not need an adviser.
No, they need an education!
A lot of southern employees need an education on the Nunavut Agreement and on Inuit and Nunavut, majority know little to nothing and they are the ones steering our government. Not working very well at the moment.
Nunavut is a magnification-mirror of Canadian governance: incompetence advising incompetents; corruption advising corrupts; and laziness advising the lazy. What the heck, add another layer of patronage to the pile.
Elders are already advised 253 times for everything in this territory. No need for another high paying make believe job .
This is not the USA!
..and so it goes…skinnamarinkadink skinnamarinkydoo….
Joe is going to complain about it no matter what either way. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Look at the Elder bus situation. Complained that the Elders got the busses. Now complaining that they didn’t get a Elder. Non stop complaining. Give it up already. Nice to see progress with the GN and keep it up. People like him will complain no matter what.
That’s what Joe has been doing since day one when he lost, Him and his circle have been complaining about anything and doing everything possible to make it difficult for this government.
I guess you are a true politician is you like these kinds of games and just in it for yourself.
So childish.
Joe is doing the right thing by asking. Nobody is paying attention to this no process Government. Keep it up Joe!
Each MLA already have elders at each riding who act as advisors. Lew Phillips doesn’t represent them lol
Mental health check is needed for Joe. Unstability in circle is evident. Healing by talking is available to him and family. Do the right thing call now before its too late. George I want to laugh not so sofisticated are you? get up and walk over to Your constituents they are asking where you are in iqaluit community announcements?