Pre-election politicking?

This is an open letter to the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut. Why is the legislature being so lenient on their fellow member from Rankin Inlet North?

It seems like since Jack Anawak lost to Paul Okalik for the premier’s job, he’s been trying to bring disorder to the House using his political tactics.

Well, maybe he is doing the right thing for his constituents by speaking out against the cabinet.

However, the legislature operates on a so-called consensus government, a form of governance that he fought so hard for. He insisted that the new territory have a consensus government while serving as the Interim Commissioner. We now have to live with the fact that our legislature operates without party politics, which means, the House does not abide by any set ideas or principles and it operates as it sees fit.

He continues to say that party politics is foreign to Nunavut Inuit. Okay, if politicking based on one’s beliefs is foreign to Inuit, why is he doing it right now?

I wonder if he is trying to win votes from his constituents knowing he might not win in the next territorial election. Remember, he almost didn’t get voted into the seat he currently holds right now.

In his letter to the editor on Aug. 1, he claims that the Government of Nunavut should not cater to southern laws. Why would he say that when he himself is politicking like a true politician with elections just around the corner?

The Nunavut cabinet has to practise its authority and reprimand someone by the likes of Anawak and kick him out of office since his constituents aren’t likely to vote him out of office. Consensus government or not, with Jack in the House there is no consensus. The Legislative Assembly had better get rid of that dissident of an MLA if it will continue to pretend that it is a government based on consensus.

Peter Piugaattuk
Iqaluit