Why NTI is fighting the GN

On May 9, just days after NTI lawyers filed notice of their attempt to quash the one-year NNI grandfathering extensions in court, Paul Kaludjak, NTI’s vice-president of finance, made a lengthy behind-closed-doors presentation to the Ajauqtiit committee of MLAs.

Kaludjak’s remarks provide many clues that reveal NTI’s thinking, and what motivates their anger at the GN.

Here are some excerpts from his presentation:

Domination by Iqaluit?

• “The pressure [to extend the grandfathering period by one year] primarily was applied by Iqaluit-based large corporations.

“What we are dealing with is an Iqaluit phenomenon, and an invitation for the Inuit of Nunavut and everyone from other communities to continue to be dominated from Iqaluit by a handful of these companies.”

A surprise for NTI?

• “During the first annual review of the NNI policy, carried out jointly by the GN and NTI and concluded in March 2002, the grandfathering clause was discussed.

“Both the GN and NTI representatives concluded that it was unnecessary to make any recommendations on this subject, as the grandfathering period was due to expire.

“It was, accordingly, a complete surprise when we learned that on April 4 the cabinet had extended the grandfathering clause for a further 12 months.”

Peeved at bulk fuel exemption

• “At the same meeting, the cabinet approved the exemption of the bulk fuel contract from the NNI policy for a period of three years, with an option to extend the exemption for two further years.

“As I understand it, this is the largest contract offered by the GN.

“So with the grandfathering of several large non-Nunavut corporations, the exemption of the fuel oil contract, and the already exempted sole-source contracts, there is not much left for the NNI policy to apply to.”

Violations of agreements?

• “Not only has the GN jeopardized the principal means for implementing Article 24, it has done so without consulting NTI as it is required to do under Article 24.3.7.

“The failure to consult also contravenes Section 21 of the NNI policy, and provisions contained in the Clyde River Protocol.”