Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, later today I will be tabling a letter written by the chairperson of the Municipal Advisory Committee for the town of Iqaluit, Mr. Robert L. Hanson, dated March 8, to the Honourable Silas Arngna'naaq, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs recommending that municipal elections be held as early as May, 1994, before most people start leaving for holidays during the spring and summer months. Mr. Hanson also noted that this will be the same month that an election for the Inuit Tapirisat's presidency is taking place. The letter also notes that by that date the current administration should have had the opportunity to review municipal programs and evaluate senior staff as approved by the committee. Further, the committee members recommend in their letter that Robin Beaumont, municipal administrator, remain in Iqaluit until the municipal election is over and a senior administrative officer has been appointed by the elected council to ensure a smooth transition.
Madam Speaker, I am also aware that the municipal administrator, appointed by the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, who also advises the Minister and works closely with the Municipal Advisory Committee, is advising that there yet remains to be a great deal of work done before a municipal inspection team can be sent in. I am impressed with the capabilities of the members of the Municipal Advisory Committee and Mr. Beaumont. I am sure they can do what is necessary to be done before an election is called in May if they are given encouragement to do so by the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs. Mr. Beaumont has correctly advised the Municipal Advisory Committee that the sole criteria for calling new municipal elections is the favourable opinion of the Minister of MACA, though the Minister has already indicated to this House that he will be relying on advice from the Municipal Advisory Committee and the municipal administrator, and hopefully from the MLA for Iqaluit.
It is now over four months since the elected council was dissolved. Clear advice has now been received from the Municipal Advisory Committee. Later, I will be following up with the Minister to ensure that municipal elections are called sooner rather than later in Iqaluit. Qujannamiik.