NTI wants city to postpone tax auction

The executive of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. called on Iqaluit’s mayor this week to postpone the auction of properties with tax debts scheduled for Sept. 15.

In a letter dated Aug. 5, Paul Kaludjak, the acting president of NTI, formally requested that city council delay the auction until concerns over its implications could be addressed.

“We are sure you will understand that it is in everybody’s interest to examine further many of the same issues that are impacting upon our beneficiaries and the City of Iqaluit,” the letter reads.

The city wants to sell off the properties of Iqaluit’s worst tax evaders. Some residents have not paid municipal taxes in years and the 17 properties that are set for auction owe the city $600,000 in back taxes altogether.

The memo asks Mayor John Matthews to consider the larger issues around the proposed auction, including the possible impact it would have on the city’s homelessness problem.

“In taking in to account the above we are formally requesting the City of Iqaluit to postpone the upcoming auction, currently slated for September 15, 2003, until a multi-disciplinary group of representatives from all levels of government and community can be convened to look at the issues and challenges involved,” the letter reads.

Matthews was out of town and could not be reached for comment.

City councillor Chris Wilson, who is acting as mayor in Matthews absence, said though he had not seen the letter and could not speak for Matthews, he did not believe postponing the auction was necessary.

“This has been a long due process and all these avenues have been exhausted, Wilson said. “Further 11th hour stays as it were, in my experience, don’t resolve anything.”