05/04/2026
In the past few weeks, I have had the chance to speak with the Honourable Ministers Chartrand and Anandasangaree, as well as the most-recent senator for Nunavut, the Honourable Dennis Patterson.
It was a nice to show Minister Chartrand around the Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre, during a brief stopover while the Minister was in town for the Mining Symposium. Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency support assists QCFC do so much for so many people. This parternership is a good example of demonstrating how the federal government can make direct impacts on food insecurity - if they make that a priority. I hope the federal government assist people in seeking the necessaries of life, just as they assist mining companies and other extractive industries.
It was a real pleasure to finally meet Min. Anandasangaree, even if it was brief. Minister Anandasangaree and Liberal MP Lori Idlout were present several days later for a similar tour of Qajuqturvik, and to discuss the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and 10 cent tax-rebate. Though I had to miss the event at QCFC while I was in a trial, it was very nice to catch up with him and Lori afterwards. It was also OK to miss out on the event, given I was successful at trial!
I also mentioned that these initiatives could better serve the average Canadian with very minor tweaks.
The Minister was very engaged and curious to hear about the justice system in Nunavut, and we made plans to discuss things more during his next visit. He is one of the best ministers in the current Cabinet. It was also a pleasure to catch up with Lori Idlout and hear about how things have been on the Hill since her decision to join the Liberal caucus.
Of course there was some good-natured joking directed to me as the President of the Nunavut NDP, such as us formally merging our parties in Nunavut. Though I will say I held my own by mentioning I need to wait and see how their merger with the Conservative Party works out, first!
Ultimately all these interactions, with current Ministers, MPs, and retired Senators leave me hopeful that despite any differences we all have Canada's best interests in heart and will continue to work towards that according to our own priorities.
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