Nunavut MLAs reconvene for fall sitting

Members of Nunavut’s seventh legislative assembly convened in Iqaluit Thursday afternoon, following their four-month summer break.

Speaker David Joanasie opened with words of solace for the families of the four soldiers killed and 39 injured in Saturday’s fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright, in Alberta. Flags have flown at half mast at government buildings all week.

Premier John Main also referred to Albertans in his opening statement, praising the result of Monday’s provincial referendum, in which 75 per cent of voters rejected holding another referendum on separating from Canada.

“I was pleased to see a strong result reflecting a desire to remain in Canada,” Main said.

His sentiments were later echoed by Cambridge Bay MLA Fred Pedersen, who thanked Albertans.

“This alleviates a lot of fears and questions that Kitikmeot residents and this government would have faced if the result was different,” Pedersen said.

Health Minister Janet Brewster announced the launch of public health’s fall immunization campaign, which includes influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics this fall for Nunavummiut aged six months and older. An enhanced flu vaccine is also available for those aged 65 and older, Brewster said.

Nurses vaccinated MLAs, government staff and visitors to the legislative assembly throughout much of the day.

“Receiving seasonal immunizations every fall helps protect our most vulnerable community members, including our elders,” Brewster said.

Members also welcomed their newest colleague, Jason Iqaluq of Sanikiluaq, who was elected to represent the Hudson Bay riding in a Sept. 28 byelection. He replaces Daniel Qavvik, who resigned from the legislature in June.

“The need for the community infrastructure remains great,” Iqaluq said in his opening address. “I will be working with local leadership to advocate for investment.”

The Legislative Assembly returns for the first reading of several bills on Friday morning. The sitting ends Nov. 5.