Reconsider Ilisaqsivik, says Uqqumiut MLA

James Arreak, the MLA for Uqqumiut, is worried about the future of the Ilisaqsivik Society of Clyde River – and he’s not going to stop lobbying the GN’s health department for core funding, which will help keep the family resource centre open.

“There are many jobs and many families who will be affected if it closes,” Arreak said outside the legislature.

In a letter addressed to Levinia Brown, Nunavut’s health minister, on April 28, Arreak said his constituents are “confused by the mixed messages” from the GN.

“On the one hand, they hear that community based-services will be supported by the department’s Care Closer to Home strategy. On the other hand, they hear that the government is unwilling to guarantee annual funding for basic administrative costs necessary to the survival of these same community-based organizations.”

Arreak asked for a “straightforward explanation” of why the health department won’t help Ilisaqsivik in the letter, which he tabled in the legislature.

Earlier last week, Arreak also tabled an editorial from the Apr. 15 edition of Nunatsiaq News that called for the GN to assist Ilisaqsivik.