Following critical words from the Nunavut Association of Municipalities (NAM) last week, Community and Government Services Minister Lorne Kusugak sent a mollifying message in return Tuesday.
"It is unfortunate the weather prevented some of us from landing in Rankin Inlet and attend NAM’s annual general meeting held Nov. 19-21. I am, however, pleased that
senior staff and managers from our regional offices were able to make it and to participate in the sessions," Kusugak stated in a news release.
In its own press release of Nov. 27, NAM's new president Kenny Bell expressed disappointment that Kusugak, the deputy minister and assistant deputy minister failed to show. Bell noted that most of NAM's community leaders made it to the meeting despite the weather.
“In the future we expect senior (CGS) management should be available for the entire meeting to hear all the concerns, issues, and questions expressed by members,” Bell stated.
Kusugak extended his congratulations to Bell as the new president of NAM and to outgoing president Madeleine Redfern for her contributions.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the newly elected president and board members to advance the common issues facing Nunavut's municipalities," Kusugak stated.