Picco: Iqaluit needs full-time mayor

MICHAELA RODRIGUE

IQALUIT — Iqaluit East MLA Ed Picco says its time Iqaluit got a full-time mayor.

Picco made the statement at the legislative assembly this week;

Picco’s suggestion extends further an idea brought forward by Iqaluit Town Coun. John Matthews earlier this year.

Matthews made a recommendation to consider increasing the mayor’s job to a half-time position. Right now, Iqaluit Mayor Jimmy Kilabuk works about one-quarter of a normal work week, Matthews estimates.

But Picco says he thinks the mayor’s job should be full-time, with salaries and benefits to match.

“The growth Iqaluit has experienced will on all accounts continue for the foreseeable future. The work-load and the responsibilities on the mayor of the largest community and the capital of Nunavut begs to be filled by a full-time mayor position,” Picco said.

Picco said the position should have a salary package appropriate for the workload

Picco said his comments are not related to the current mayor’s performance.

“Mr. Speaker let me make it perfectly clear that my comments are not to indicate dissatisfaction with our current council or mayor,” Picco said.

Iqaluit Town Council has directed staff to study the costs of having a half-time mayor, but to date no decision has been made.

If the Iqaluit council does opt for a half-time or full-time mayor, Matthews expects the change can be made in time for the next municipal election in the fall.