Councillor statements

Reflected on the Inuit Circumpolar Council General Assembly, thanked interpreters and spoke about Inuit women’s leadership, cross-border relationships, cultural and language revitalization, inclusion and carrying Inuit values forward.

Reported meeting mayors from Greenland and Alaska and emphasized working together.

Said the Department of National Defence wanted to meet Nunavut mayors and that he would advocate for Iqaluit at the international Arctic Mayors’ Forum.

Recognized the Recreation Department for successfully hosting the Jimmy Kilabuk Fun Run/Walk.

Reported on environmental discussions at the FCM conference and noted that Awa was the first person to speak Inuktitut there.

Said the FCM conference helped municipalities learn about work across Canada, funding opportunities and projects.

Reported on meetings with northern mayors at the Arctic Development Expo under the theme ‘Arctic Security, A Shared Responsibility.’

Thanked Alianait for its arts festival and its Inuit cultural performances.

Thanked residents who joined the annual spring cleanup and encouraged continued care for the community.

Encouraged eligible Nunavummiut to vote in the NTI presidential by-election, describing participation as a way to protect Inuit rights, language, culture and priorities and strengthen Inuit self-determination.

Reported from the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto, wished Nunavut participants well and described the event as a chance to learn, network and explore careers in trades and technology; she closed with support for the Blue Jays.

Encouraged students approaching graduation to remain in school, do their best and recognize that they would help pave the community’s future.

Wished her father a happy 70th birthday.

Reminded residents of the May 22 deadline to apply for the vacant council seat.

Highlighted FCM’s report on northern social well-being, infrastructure, transportation, climate, environment, sovereignty and security.

Called for a Governance and Priorities review of the Vehicle for Hire By-law, citing refusal of old prepaid vouchers, accessibility, vehicle condition and winter tires; said fare increases should be tied to better service.

Marked the National Day of Mourning for workers killed or injured on the job and stressed safety for traditional harvesters as both hunters and workers.

Congratulated students who participated in the Skills Canada Nunavut Territorial Skills Competition and wished them well at the national competition.

Discussed the Qimuksiq dog-team races, congratulated the winners and noted an upcoming 35-kilometre race.

Welcomed a $109 million federal commitment for Iqaluit water and sewer improvements and thanked administration for being ready to apply for funding.

Raised conflicting reports about whether elders were wanted in a high-school classroom, said other elders wanted to teach and emphasized fairness and cooperation.

Recognized the successful Hockey Helps the Homeless event and thanked organizers and sponsors for raising money for Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre and Annauma Community Foundation.

Celebrated Nunavut athletes and local City participants, highlighted historic hockey medals and said council should help lay the groundwork for a possible 2032 hosting bid.

Observed that he had seen many small birds in the middle of winter.

Said he had been asked to assist with healing in Pond Inlet in June and would participate if his health allowed.

Said federal Arctic-protection planning included Iqaluit and that the mayors of Iqaluit, Yellowknife and Whitehorse would meet at a February Arctic summit, with details to follow.

Thanked senior executive director Rod Mugford for his years of service and wished him well in retirement.

Sent holiday greetings and encouraged people to celebrate safely and not drink and drive.

Noted upcoming Christmas games and activities and encouraged residents to stay safe.

Congratulated Mugford on his retirement and thanked him for his service.

Opposed replacing the public-facing Public Safety Committee with an internal working group, questioned who attended an earlier internal meeting and whether the new group would include Inuit, residents and frontline workers, and urged council to strengthen public involvement.

Announced that he had been appointed president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities.

Said earlier darkness made the lack of exterior lighting at City Hall more noticeable.

Congratulated the newly elected MLAs and thanked everyone who ran.

Said Canadian mayors were meeting federal ministers in Ottawa to present municipal concerns and noted the upcoming Nunavut Association of Municipalities meeting.

Thanked the candidates who ran in the territorial election.

Reminded residents that advance voting in the territorial election was open that week.

Recognized Inuit women who had named abusers, said silence must not protect people who cause harm, and expressed support for women seeking truth, justice and healing.

Spoke about the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the lasting effects of residential schools, forced relocation and dog slaughter, Inuit resilience, education and year-round work toward healing and reconciliation.

Welcomed the taxi-voucher announcement but said old paid vouchers should be treated like cash, large issuers should handle exchanges rather than residents, and refusing elders’ vouchers was unacceptable.

Referred to a CBC story saying elected councillors should be more vocal.

Raised trash on Inuit-owned land and near an Apex construction site, thanked cleanup participants and called for monitoring and enforcement of the applicable by-law.

Said he presses the federal government and FCM to recognize Arctic communities, traditions, challenges and funding needs.

Agreed councillors should communicate more publicly and said cooperation serves the community best.

Reported that a voucher with no printed expiry date had been refused and asked administration to investigate and make any expiry date clear on the voucher.

Marked World Suicide Prevention Day, promoted the Embrace Life Council walk and emphasized ongoing mental-health and bereavement support.

Said he had joined FCM’s Northern and Arctic Working Group and used its meetings to explain Nunavut’s distinct circumstances.

Said he could not travel to Pond Inlet as a grieving facilitator because he needed to go to Ottawa for medical reasons.

Said some routes used for summer activities needed upgrading and cautioned residents to take care on trails and roadways.

Said he had been invited to Pond Inlet as a grieving facilitator in August, with dates still to be determined.

Extended sympathy to bereaved families and called for trauma-informed, culturally safe mental-health supports rooted in Inuit values, reduced stigma and cooperation among agencies, governments and the community.

Thanked Awa for representing northern communities at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference and noted he would attend the Nunavut Housing Forum.

Called for a year-round strategy to address litter instead of relying only on the annual cleanup.

Raised vandalism at the old graveyard and said damaged crosses should be replaced.

Congratulated Gwen Natsiq on being elected president of the National Inuit Youth Council.

Said northern communities were discussed at the FCM conference and that a resolution had passed to help Nunavut residents.

Said the City has a responsibility to keep Iqaluit clean and had been discussing the issue.

Said Qulliq Energy Corporation must provide better service and that a 9.5% power-price increase alongside rolling blackouts was unacceptable.

Commented on Pope Francis’s earlier visit to Iqaluit and his death, and said he would attend a healing circle in Hamilton from May 4 to 11.

Thanked residents who presented at the preceding public hearing and recognized Toonik Tyme, hockey participants and qamutiik racers.

Reminded residents about the April 28 federal election and encouraged them to vote.

Noted that more than 300 delegates were attending the Nunavut Mining Symposium and suggested future council agendas account for major community events.

Raised concern about snowplows leaving snow in front of driveways and residents having to pay to remove it.

Said plans to build a traditional qajaq had been disrupted by the instructor’s death and asked whether another knowledgeable builder could be found.

Said staff would examine the snow-clearing issue and invited listeners who knew a traditional qajaq builder to contact Nattaq.

Shared his experience addressing mental health, trauma, PTSD, alcohol and addiction; said recovery is possible, seeking help is courageous, and the community should remove stigma and support healing.

Said he planned to visit burial sites in Hamilton in May to provide healing sessions for families of people who died at tuberculosis sanatoriums.

Congratulated Tilley on completing treatment and described his recovery as a powerful example that others are not alone and can heal with strength, dignity and pride.

Referred to a mayors’ summit on substance use and addiction and said change is possible when people take the initiative to heal and move forward.

Advised that, as president of the Nunavut Association of Municipalities, he would attend a Montreal conference concerning High Arctic matters.

Set out her position on the 2025 mill-rate debate: the approved budget already depended on $2.7 million in additional tax revenue, and anyone proposing less revenue should identify the resulting cuts. She supported the proposed distribution of the tax burden and gave notice that she would seek debate on third reading.

Thanked the fire department, Recreation staff, people who opened the Cadet Hall, organizations and Iqalummiut who supported families displaced by the 1088 Noble House fire.

Noted the qulliq lighting held before the meeting and spoke about the history of Inuit hunting.

Thanked Aglukark for her work during the night of the fire and in the days that followed.

Said council would work on housing, land use, homelessness and future planning; emphasized teamwork despite disagreement and thanked staff.

Councillor Tilley congratulated the U-18 Blizzards Female Hockey Team for winning the gold medal in the Eastern Ontario Stars Kicking Ice Tournament held in Ottawa.

Councillor Tilley advised that after much reflection, he has decided to seek help for alcohol use in early 2025. He indicated that this was an important step to improve his health and well-being. Councillor Tilley indicated that the decision to seek help was for personal growth and he was grateful for support and understanding while navigating the process. He commented that obtaining help was not an easy step, but it would make a positive life impact. Councillor Tilley indicated that he would be focusing on treatment and may not be available as usual and wanted supporters to know that their

Mayor Awa noted that Christmas was near and he encouraged everyone to stay close with family. He indicated that unexpected things occur, but it was important to remain resilient and move forward in overcoming any challenges.

Mayor Awa thanked Councillor Tilley for the positive statement and moving forward with his personal growth.

Deputy Mayor Smith expressed her support to Councillor Tilley for the difficult decision and steps to improving his health.

Mayor Awa noted that the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) held their annual meeting last week and government support was discussed.

Mayor Awa pointed out that the first Indigenous Veterans Day was held on November 8 to commemorate the service of First Nations, Inuit and Métis members of the Canadian Armed Forces. He commented on the importance of recognizing Indigenous people who were involved in the war.

Mayor Awa advised that he attended the Nunavut Roundtable on Poverty Reduction (NRPR) which was held at the Aqsarniit Hotel.

Councillor Stevenson thanked staff for the completion of the crosswalk and signal lights by the hospital and boarding home. He noted that there may be other areas that will require crosswalk signal lights for the safety of residents.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty also expressed thanks regarding the crosswalk and signal lights. He noted that the location of the signal light access button is on a pile of rocks and asked that this be fixed for easier access.

Councillor Aglukark noted that September 30" is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation to honour the children and families affected by the residential school system. She commented that it is a day that weighs heavy on many people’s hearts, but a time filled with potential for understanding and healing. Councillor Aglukark went on to say that people remember the children who were taken from their families, lives disrupted, and generations affected by the dark chapter of history. She commented that each child represents a story of family and community that has endured unimaginable pain. Councillor Aglukark wanted to honour their memory and the strength of the families who continue to seek healing.

Councillor Aglukark noted that reflections should also consider moving forward together as acommunity. Reconciliation requires more than acknowledgement; it calls for action and commitment from everyone. She went on to say that spaces must be created to share stories and voices of families and survivors that can be lifted and respected.

Councillor Aglukark noted that education plays a crucial role in the journey through teaching children about the history of residential schools and the impact in order to empower advocates for change. She felt it is important to encourage open dialogue and foster an environment where everyone feels safe to express their thoughts and feelings.

Councillor Aglukark felt when thinking of today’s children with their laughter, dreams, and bright future, it is a reminder of the actions taken that will shape the world they inherit. She commented about the responsibility to ensure that children learn about respect, inclusivity and understanding. Councillor Aglukark noted the importance of committing to build a future where children grow up knowing the truth of history and understand the importance of empathy, compassion and connection.

Councillor Aglukark invited everyone to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of reconciliation. She suggested that during the reflection, consideration be given on how to contribute to the community to honour the past, while moving forward in strength. Councillor Aglukark felt it was important that this generation bridge the gap, foster healing and understanding for children today and future generations.

Councillor Aglukark thanked everyone who commits to the essential work on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and moving forward for a more inclusive future.

Deputy Mayor Smith thanked Councillor Aglukark for a very strong statement.

Deputy Mayor Smith reminded residents that maintenance would be taking place on emergency lines on September 25 between 3:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. She advised that anyone needing fire and ambulance services should call 223-4422 and anyone requiring RCMP services should call 979-0123.

Mayor Awa advised that he visited Nuuk, Greenland and Timmins, Ontario. While in Nuuk, Mayor Awa visited the incinerator where household community waste is burned. He explained that using an incinerator requires less landfill space. Mayor Awa requested that consideration be given to use an incinerator in Iqaluit. Mayor Awa noted that this matter would be discussed at the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) Annual Conference.

Mayor Awa noted that the world was turning to clean energy and observing environmental sustainability. Mayor Awa felt that both the Nunavut and federal governments should consider funding similar projects for Nunavut.

Mayor Awa noted that he also attended a summit in Timmins, Ontario on substance abuse, which included both alcohol and drug abuse. He indicated that at the summit, community leaders were asked what could community leaders do to reduce substance abuse? Mayor Awa commented that most participants agreed that the focus should not only be on helping those already addicted but preventing people from becoming addicted to substance abuse.

Mayor Awa felt that it was important to understand the root cause of the addiction, help those to overcome addiction, and support families.

Mayor Awa advised that the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) Annual Conference would be held from November 4 to 7, 2024 in Iqaluit.

Councillor Nattaq commented that he visited the incinerator in Nuuk several years ago, and at that time, the heat from the incinerator was used to heat buildings. Councillor Nattag felt it was important to give consideration for an incinerator in Iqaluit.

Deputy Mayor Smith reminded residents that traffic must stop in both directions when school bus lights are flashing.

Councillor Nattaq commented that there were not enough play spaces.

Councillor Nattaq acknowledged the comments made during the Public Hearing regarding the dust and wanted to ensure the resident that Council is concerned about this matter. He noted that residents must be patient during development as dust will be prevalent.

Councillor Nattaq suggested that consideration should be given to paving the road as suggested many years ago.

Councillor Sheppard acknowledged the work being carried out by the RCMP over the past few weeks in relation to public drinking. He noted that there had been a significant increase in patrols, which has been noticed by both residents and business owners.

Mayor Awa indicated that he recently attended the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference and Trade Show from June 6 to 9, 2024 in Calgary. During the conference, Mayor Awa explained that the communities in Nunavut rely on sealifts for goods and requested that funding requests to help with the costs be considered in a timelier fashion.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty advised that he was unable to attend the May 28, 2024 Council meeting and indicated that he supported Councillor Sheppard’s concerns regarding open alcohol consumption and requesting the Government of Nunavut to contribute to a solution to improve community safety.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty suggested that representatives from the Nunavut Liquor and Cannabis Commission make a presentation to Council, regarding what can be done to improve community safety in relation to open alcohol.

Councillor Stevenson advised that he represented Qikiqtani Inuit Association (QIA) and he attended an Economic and Sustainability Conference, Future Greenland in Nuuk, Greenland on May 14 to 15, 2024. While attending the conference, the airlines announced opening the route between Nuuk and Iqaluit. Councillor Stevenson spoke about the benefits of using the route and sharing ideas.

Councillor Stevenson noted that while in Nuuk, he visited the port and talked about hydroelectricity and business opportunities, which would be valuable to Iqaluit.

Councillor Stevenson indicated that representatives expressed an interest in attending the Iqaluit Conference and Trade Show in September. He felt it was important to welcome and host the Nuuk representatives.

Mayor Awa advised that during the past two days, mayors and senior administrative officers from across Nunavut attended meetings in Iqaluit. Government of Nunavut Community and Government Services made a presentation regarding funding and mayors had the opportunity to discuss how the funding should be allocated to the communities.

Councillor Kunuk recognized the organizers of the Toonik Tyme festival. He noted that the event has been held for many years and is an exciting festival with traditional Inuit games and activities. He indicated that throughout the years, various special performers from outside of Nunavut have attended the event.

Councillor Kunuk noted the importance of continuing Toonik Tyme and wanted to better support the organizers, as many people from Nunavut attend the event. He stated that Toonik Tyme would be celebrating 60 years in 2025.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty noted that over 300 people would be attending the Nunavut Mining Symposium being held in Iqaluit from April 23 to April 25 and thanked Mayor Awa for speaking at the event. Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty spoke about the importance of supporting the annual mining symposium in the future.

Councillor Nattaq advised that he received concerns from elders attending church regarding the high snowbanks. He noted that high snowbanks were also in other areas in the city, which were dangerous. Councillor Nattaq noted that Public Works were removing snow in certain parts of the city.

Mayor Awa noted that it had been 25 years since Nunavut was created and the Government of Nunavut recently celebrated this milestone. Mayor Awa advised that he spoke at the celebration acknowledging former Mayors and Councils and spoke about the plans that Council was working on. He expressed appreciation that Inuit chose Iqaluit as the capital.

Councillor Tilley recognized the minor and major women’s hockey teams that went to Ottawa to compete in a tournament. The minor women’s hockey team was able to sit on the bench before the Ottawa Professional Women’s Hockey team played and then watched them win the game, which was very rewarding.

Councillor Tilley congratulated the Iqaluit Blizzard novice hockey team for winning all five games and winning gold in a tournament in Ottawa.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty note that the annual Toonik Tyme was about to start its 49" year. He felt that the volunteer organizers of 123 Go! should be recognized, as many people from other communities come to Iqaluit to celebrate Toonik Tyme.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty felt the City should provide additional support for the celebration as there is no centre to host events due to the high cost of insurance. He noted that it was becoming more obvious that Iqaluit needs a community centre/hall.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty noted that next year, Toonik Tyme would be celebrating 50 years and the City should be more involved with the celebration.

Deputy Mayor Smith acknowledged the students who performed the musical Annie JR.

Deputy Mayor Smith recognized the athletes who participated in the Arctic Winter Games in Alaska.

Deputy Mayor Smith noted that Sunday, was the beginning of Ramadan, which was a month of celebration of faith, community and peace. She expressed the need for a ceasefire from the violence committed by Hamas in October 2023, for the Palestinians who continue to be killed, and for the millions who are displaced and are starving.

Councillor Kunuk noted that Council recently heard a presentation regarding public drinking and felt that the matter should be discussed by Council.

Deputy Mayor Smith acknowledged February 28 as Pink Shirt Day, as a day to stand up against bullying and to show support.

Councillor Nattaq welcomed Councillor Aglukark to Council.

Councillor Nattaq expressed concern regarding increased taxi fares and the way some taxi drivers treat passengers. He went on to say that taxis were providing a service and it was important that drivers were kind to passengers and passengers felt safe when travelling in taxis.

Councillor Kunuk welcomed Councillor Aglukark to Council.

Councillor Aglukark expressed thanks to her fellow councillors for voting to appoint her to Council. She also thanked the other candidates for putting their names forward.

Councillor Tilley welcomed Councillor Aglukark to Council.

Councillor Tilley recognized the two Iqaluit Under 15 hockey teams who travelled to Ottawa for the Capital House League Championship Tournament.

Deputy Mayor Smith acknowledged that February was Black History Month. She felt it was important to celebrate and honour the rich diversity of the city and to take time to recognize the resilience and contribution of black individuals in the city. Deputy Mayor Smith went on to say that it was important to commemorate their stories and achievements, and to work towards a more inclusive society for everyone.

Deputy Mayor Smith thanked all candidates for putting their name forward to fill the vacant Council seat. She stated that Councillors have a responsibility to serve the

community with integrity, to listen, to learn, to ask questions, to do research and to act with reason, logic and love. Deputy Mayor Smith acknowledged those candidates who were unsuccessful and hoped they continued to care, serve and be an active member of the community.

Mayor Awa acknowledged that Joe Savikataaq Jr., Mayor of Arviat, was in the gallery.

Councillor Tilley advised that annual and monthly aquatic centre pass holders have contacted him regarding the non-operational hot tub and sauna. Councillor Tilley asked if staff can provide an update regarding a plan to repair both the hot tub and sauna at a future Council meeting.

Deputy Mayor Smith extended a Happy New Year greeting to the residents of Iqaluit. She noted that a new year is a new beginning and she is looking forward to working with Council to create a safer and brighter community for all residents.

Alternate Deputy Mayor Flaherty made the following statement: e Master Plan is needed for the city o There is a trend in approving by-law and zoning amendments.

Councillor Kunuk commented that he wanted to make Iqaluit welcoming, safe and a better place to live and visit. He suggested/noted the following: e Establish a processing plant for fish and country food in Iqaluit, which would also benefit other communities o Processing fish from neighbouring communities who have fish quotas would eliminate the high shipping cost to send the products south o Processing fish and country food in Iqaluit would enable the product to be sold locally and down south Need a hunter’s market to sell products to the local people e Residents who are not able to make money by selling country food and fish do not have the income to buy equipment to continue hunting and fishing to feed their families. This is when alcohol problems arise. e Residents of Rankin Inlet lobbied Council to request the territorial government to reduce the sale of beer and wine to a reasonable level, which was done. e Property taxes for churches, churches provide free services to help the community o Churches are struggling and they will have to start charging for services in order to stay open e Snow clearing has to be done better to ensure that driveways are left open so that residents can receive water and sewer trucked services © Trails are also blocked, which makes it difficult for hunters to access the land

Councillor Sheppard reminded councillors that Administration does not take any direction from Councillors’ statements. If councillors want to address and work on

Councillor Sheppard expressed that the items brought up were important and encouraged councillors to take the necessary steps to have the items added to a future Council agenda.

Mayor Awa commented that there are many issues that need to be dealt with. He pointed out that Council does have a Master Plan relating to roads. Mayor Awa noted that it is important that Council is prepared and continues to plan, as there is an agreement with the federal government for Nunavut 3000 to assist with building houses across the territory.

Recognized Iqaluit speed-skating athletes competing in Fredericton and celebrated their medals and personal bests.

Thanked Recreation staff, parade participants and residents for the holiday parade.

Extended holiday wishes for Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Thanked snow-clearing crews, described the City's 51 kilometres of roads and urged patience with the clearing sequence.

Warned that roads were slippery and urged drivers to use caution and headlights.

Discussed the upcoming Nunavut Association of Municipalities AGM and his executive and presidential roles.

Said his younger brother had been charged the full taxi rate and requested reimbursement of $50.

Thanked voters and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Recognized the celebration of Diwali.

Reminded drivers to use their headlights.

Thanked voters, welcomed the new council and spoke about its diversity.

Said members would discuss the agendas and priorities they had brought from the campaign.

Thanked voters and spoke about improving Inuit circumstances, safety and working together.

Thanked voters, noted his long history in Iqaluit and said he would speak directly on community issues.

Raised dangerous road conditions, crashed vehicles and traffic safety.