We asked, they answered.

The four candidates vying to be president of Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI) have submitted their responses about their background, motivation and specific positions on some of the most pressing issues for Nunavut Inuit.

The election is scheduled for Dec. 9.

What it is about your personal and professional background that makes you well suited for the role?

I have worked in a leadership role with a related agency that has a role of managing the land and resources of Nunavut for 11 years, so I understand the importance of gathering the views from the people of Nunavut and incorporating those perspectives into the decision-making process. I have also worked directly with the land through my employment with Parks Canada, conservation officer, [the Department of Fisheries and Oceans], and as a hunter.

What motivated you to run?

At some point in life, it is important to challenge yourself to do more to make a positive impact on the land that you love. Now is my time.

Do you agree with NTI's lawsuit against the GN over improved access to Inuktut education in kindergarten through Grade 12?

Lawsuits are a difficult and expensive way to resolve disputes SA国际影视传媒� it should be a last resort. When I am elected, I will sit with the board and examine the history of the conflict and what is the most timely and effective way to move this towards resolution. Court cases are expensive and never quick to resolve disputes.

What actions do you think NTI should take on addressing Nunavut's housing crisis?

Housing is a crisis across all of Nunavut, and, in fact, in southern Canada as well. There is no quick and easy fix to this problem, but it is particularly bad in Nunavut. A solution will need to have the support of all levels of government and incentives to private builders to get the best value for the dollars that will need to be spent to address this critical shortage.

How can NTI improve the health status of beneficiaries?

Health infrastructure is lacking in all the communities in Nunavut. That needs to change, firstly by have the human resources (adequate levels of nurses and other health practice workers) in the local communities. Secondly, we need to use the video conferencing (Telehealth) to spend the [scarce] dollars treating people in Nunavut, rather than in expensive air fares and southern accommodations which donSA国际影视传媒檛 benefit Nunavut.

Does Nunavut need more mines or fewer mines than it has now?

Mines have been an important economic driver for Nunavut and all of Northern Canada. They will continue to be important and need to be encouraged to develop, but in a responsible way to protect the land, sea, and also provide for employment. There is no SA国际影视传媒渕agic numberSA国际影视传媒� of mines for Nunavut. The mining proposals need to be advanced through our system of regulatory oversight. Our Nunavut Wide Land Use Plan and screening by NIRB (Nunavut Impact Review Board) are just some of the steps to see appropriate development occur in Nunavut.