For the annual NWT & Nunavut Mining feature that recently appeared in Nunavut News, we approached MLAs for their perspective on the mining industry in the territory. These were the responses from Cambridge Bay MLA Jeannie Ehaloak. The full edition of NWT & Nunavut Mining can be found here: https://nnsl.com/special-feature-publications/nwt-nunavut-mining-2019/
Q: What do you consider to be the greatest advantages and disadvantages of mining in the Nunavut?
photo courtesy of the GN
A: The greatest advantages are the jobs, steady reliable employment, training and hiring diverse culture and people. There are some disadvantages: we need to ensure responsible development, and try to diminish any negative environmental impacts. I would like to see mines invest in research as it provides solutions to challenges and it exposes bright, ambitious personnel to meaningful work.
Q: Do you believe the mines do enough overall for the territory in terms of employment, royalties, donations and legacy projects?
A: The mining companies do very well for employment in communities. I would like to see the mining companies sponsor more training within communities, at the high school level, to encourage and challenge students to stay in school.
Q: Should mines be involved in supplying housing in surrounding communities?
A: I think it would be beneficial for the mines to assist and support their employees in becoming homeowners.