James Arreak
Community: Iqaluit
Age: 54
Family Status: Married
Career: Senior Management Professional with 25 years of experience providing managerial leadership and visionary insight for a for-profit and non-profit organizations and firm within Inuit Organizations, Development Corporation, Consulting, Airline and or Banking industries.
Volunteer or board experience?
Mentoring graduate students; 20 years of board experience in various non-profit and for-profit organizations.
Why are you running for MLA?
I am running because I would like to use my skills, experience, and qualifications to serve the people. I was raised by my parents, where I was taught the importance of helping and serving others. These values date back as far as my great-grandparents and possibly further.
Where we were raised to, when possible, help other people. If you are able, use your skills and strengths, to help. Plus, I believe in Nunavut, and would like to contribute to its continued development; and to take it where it’s never been.
How much influence should NTI have in territorial governance?
The Government of Nunavut (GN) must work with NTI. The GN is a signatory to the Nunavut Agreement (NA) and has implementation responsibilities defined within the document. The rights defined in the NA are constitutionally protected and it is a mutually binding agreement.
Inuit have the right to be involved in the government process, be involved in co-managing resources, making decisions concerning wildlife, participate in economic opportunities, and the right to cultural and social well-being. Recent supreme court decisions confirmed that treaty right holders have a right to meaningfully participate in Government. The GN must work closely with NTI so that Inuit Rights are accommodated and respected in Government.
How urgent is combating climate change in Nunavut?
The Government must take urgent steps to strengthen its policy on the environment. Government must learn to utilize Inuit strengths, as well as the application of research and technology. I will propose to integrate Inuit values to strengthen the policy on environment within the Government of Nunavut. Plus define the role of research involving how climate change is impacting Nunavummiut IE impacts on ice conditions, permafrost, and wildlife.
Furthermore, I propose to develop a communication system where technology can be utilized to inform hunters, and all those that depend on the sea ice, to travel as safely as possible.
How do you envision economic development in your riding?
We must develop an economy for the future. I envision Nunavut’s economy to be developed in a balanced way, protecting, and preserving the land, sea, ice, and wildlife, while promoting the development of sectors led by sustainable, diverse, and feasible strategies.
Creating meaningful jobs can improve people’s lives. The Government must bolster and strengthen its people by regaining their pride and well-being. As it allows people to become more productive leading to a brighter future. Areas of emerging economies with potential for development are the Arts, Infrastructure, Housing and Offshore.
Are you for or against mandatory vaccinations?
I support vaccinations. But I also support the freedom and rights of individuals.