Okalik’s return reaps smiles and salvos

GREG YOUNGER-LEWIS

Premier Paul Okalik’s return to the head of the legislative assembly was greeted by jubilant applause and some skeptical sniping from Nunavut’s political observers.

The most critical voice came from Doug Workman, president of the Nunavut Employees Union, who questioned how much support Okalik had from his cabinet and other MLAs.

Workman, who tried unsuccessfully to unseat Okalik in the Iqaluit West riding in the February election, said the secrecy of the leadership vote casts doubt on whether the premier edged out his opponent by a narrow margin, or won resounding support.

“It doesn’t seem democratic,” Workman said of MLAs choosing the premier. “This is a public government. This is not a company. This is not a corporation. I think a public government should be transparent. We should know [how many votes he received]. There should be no secrets.”

And even if government released the results of MLAs’ votes for premier and cabinet, Workman said he would still be concerned about Okalik’s plans for the coming years.

Workman said he’s most troubled by Okalik’s campaign to reduce safety, building and other regulations in Nunavut that impede business. Even now, the territory has few regulatory boards to keep residents and workers safe, Workman said.

On the bright side, Workman looks forward to the high calibre of political experience in the new assembly, which is stacked with veteran MLAs and long-time politicians. Workman expected the rise in experience would mean policies will be debated more thoroughly, and, in his words, prevent “a small pocket of people” from controlling the government’s agenda.

Strong leadership will be essential in the coming years, according to a Nunavut business leader.

Steve Cook, director of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the next government will face tougher challenges than the previous assembly because of the financial crunch caused by increasing demand for services, and less money.

Cook said Okalik’s re-election to the premier’s office will make the government more efficient in tackling the funding problem.

“We’re pleased to see there’ll be a level of consistency in the fact we have Premier Okalik reinstated,” Cook said. “I think that’s important at this time.”

However, Cook cautioned that Okalik should be patient in his goal to make the private sector the largest employer in Nunavut. Cook said the territory still lacks an industry that could drive such a high level of employment.

“There has to be some economic sector that is greater than government… and right now we don’t have that,” he said.

Cook said he expects the government to make unprecedented headway in building more infrastructure, and creating more small businesses and jobs with the help of a new group called the Nunavut Economic Forum, an umbrella organization representing the territorial and federal governments and business groups.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. would have been happy with either Okalik or his opponent, Tagak Curley, as premier, said James Eetoolook, acting president of NTI.

Similarly, Eetoolook said NTI wasn’t concerned about who is in cabinet, as long as they pay equal attention to all regions of Nunavut.

“Each of us has a role to play in improving the lifestyle of Nunavummiut,” he said. “We’re representing the same people.”

In the end, supporters of the last government’s controversial Human Rights Act gave Okalik the biggest cheer.

Maureen Doherty, of the Qulliit Nunavut Status of Women Council, said she was “hugely relieved” that Okalik beat Curley for the premier’s seat. She said Curley’s success would have “threatened” the Human Rights Act because he criticized protection of people based on their sexual orientation.

“I think the choice that was made reflects that Nunavut wants to move forward,” Doherty said. “I think there’s confidence in Paul that he can be traditional… but he also recognizes the diversity of the population in Nunavut.”