Nunavik leaders meet Paul Martin

Prime Minister Paul Martin met a bevy of Nunavik leaders this week to talk about housing, infrastructure and taxation

On Monday, when Martin was in Val d’Or, he met with Pita Aatami, the president of Makivik Corporation; George Berthe, Makivik’s corporate secretary; Johnny Adams, the chair of the Kativik Regional Government; Michael Gordon, the mayor of Kuujjuaq; and Muncy Novalinga, a municipal councillor from Puvirnituq.

“We had his undivided attention. We’re very lucky to have had this meeting,” Aatami told Nunatsiaq News.

The meeting was arranged by Nunavik’s member of Parliament, Guy St.-Julien.

“The number one issue was housing,” Aatami said.

Nunavik wants to negotiate another five-year agreement with Ottawa on social housing — but is looking for a one-year extension on its current deal, so housing construction can continue in the region.

“He was very, very sympathetic and he wants to help,” Aatami said.

The leaders also urged Martin to find nine million dollars needed to complete Nunavik’s marine infrastructure program. So far, the federal government has given $35 million, a sum matched by Quebec, but Quebec has promised a total of $44 million for new docks, as long as Ottawa gives the same amount.

Other issues raised at the meeting include Nunavik’s high level of provincial and federal taxation, as well as concern over the federal government’s delay in signing the overlapping offshore agreements for Nunavik’s marine region.

“We’re that close, but there are some people holding it back,” Aatami said.

At the end of the meeting, Aatami asked Martin to visit Nunavik.

“He said he wants to come to Nunavik,” Aatami said, but no date was fixed.

However, this Sunday in Kuujjuaq, the leaders of Nunavik’s organizations will host Andy Mitchell, the new federal minister of Indian and Northern Affairs.