Calls mount for public inquiry into Iqaluit water crisis as Nunavut government changes tune
CBC
Calls are mounting in Nunavut for the territorial government to call a public inquiry into the Iqaluit water crisis.
Residents had been under a boil water advisory since Jan. 19, after the water treatment plant was taken offline when more hydrocarbons were detected within the city's drinking water. The order was lifted on Friday afternoon after nine days.
Earlier this month, officials with the government of Nunavut said they wouldn't call a public inquiry – despite pleas during Nunavut's election campaign from Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone, who later became a cabinet minister.
Speaking with As It Happens host Carol Off on Jan. 20, Nunavut Member of Parliament Lori Idlout said a public inquiry is necessary.
"It was unfortunate that [the government of Nunavut's] response was that they didn't think it was necessary. And I think this current boil advisory, based on what happened last week, now shows that it is required," Idlout said.
"I think people deserve to be informed in a public way," Idlout continued in a separate interview with CBC News.
"I think when the second boil advisory happened, it just made it seem like it became necessary to try and understand what happened, and to make sure the public is informed with what's going on."
The government of Nunavut is instead moving toward a third-party review behind closed doors. Idlout acknowledged depending on the level of information made public from the review, a public inquiry may not be necessary.
Iqaluit-based lawyer Joseph Murdoch-Flowers – a justice of the peace with the Nunavut Court of Justice – also issued a call for a public inquiry on Twitter on Jan. 20.
"For the sake of transparency, accountability, and to regain the highest degree of public confidence in the territorial and municipal governments, the Government of Nunavut should call a public inquiry into the Iqaluit water crisis," Murdoch-Flowers wrote, adding he sent his thoughts to eight of Nunavut's elected officials – including Idlout – and Nunavut's Senator.
"Without a public inquiry, any third party review of the Iqaluit water crisis will be shrouded under a cloud of doubt. It will not allow for the participation of interested parties in the investigation."
Murdoch-Flowers declined CBC's request for an interview.
Nunavut Premier P.J. Akeeagok responded to Murdoch-Flowers five days later, reiterating the government's intent on proceeding with an independent third-party review in conjunction with the City of Iqaluit.
"The findings of this review will be important as they will inform any next steps and/or the need for further inquiry," Akeeagok wrote.
