What Nunavut needs is a casino

I respectfully submit to the Prime Minister and the Mayor of Iqaluit the following project that would generate much-needed funds for the GN and the city.

As we all know, gambling in Nunavut is considered acceptable and not illegal because it is part of the popular culture, as it is in many Third World countries. Patik houses, where booze and drugs are not accepted, happen every night. Big money changes hands. Bingos and lotteries are, as well, much frequented. I know. I’m a taxi driver working the evening shift.

My idea is for a casino.

The GN and the city should approach a major hotel chain, such as the Hilton or the Holiday Inn, and propose a joint venture located at the Upper Base site.

Just imagine a 10-storey, all-dressed hotel with a convention centre equipped with the latest multimedia technologies, a modern concert hall and a casino of international standard lighting up Upper Base.

It would create hundreds of jobs, and much-needed funds for housing and the various health, social and income support programs.

It would put Nunavut and the city on the world map on a permanent basis more effectively than just a one-time event like the Arctic Winter Games.

The tourism and convention industries are always looking for more reliable and exotic locations to send their clientele. They are everywhere except in the real Arctic – except here.

Everyone would profit: outfitters, taxis, restaurants, carvers and other artists, the airport and airlines, local hotels, stores, and perhaps even NASA’s Mars on Earth research project on Devon Island.

As incentive for such an investment, forget taxes for the long-term land lease of Upper Base. The revenue from the rights of exploitation and a percentage of net income could compensate amply.

It is important for the GN and the city to think now about the future they want because Nunavut may find itself in an economic crunch five years from now.

Mark Hobson
Iqaluit