Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Cambridge Bay Care Home Ceremony

Health Minister John Main faced criticism during a recent session of Nunavut’s legislative assembly regarding the long-term care home planned for Cambridge Bay. Some Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) accused him and other officials of using the tundra-turning ceremony held last week as a mere photo opportunity just weeks before the upcoming election campaign.

During the question period, Joe Savikataaq, MLA for Arviat-South, questioned the appropriateness of the ceremony’s timing, stating that it could be viewed as a campaign tactic. “It could be seen as campaigning as they may be running back for re-election, and there’s only two weeks left [in this term],” Savikataaq remarked at the start of the legislative assembly’s fall sitting.

He also pointed out that the ceremony was “unprecedented” because the project has not yet received full funding approval. In response, Main defended the event, asserting that his involvement, along with that of other territorial politicians, was legitimate. “One person’s photo op is another person’s accessible and transparent government,” he stated. Main noted that during the visit to Cambridge Bay, he also took the time to meet with staff at the Kitikmeot Regional Health Centre and engage with local elders and individuals with disabilities.

P.J. Akeeagok, the Premier of Nunavut, along with MLA Pamela Gross and others, attended the ceremony which marked significant progress on the planned facility. Main emphasized the importance of the event, saying, “This ceremony was an important opportunity to acknowledge the progress we have made together, to celebrate the partnerships that are driving this work forward, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to improving elder care for Nunavummiut.”

The long-term care home, designed to accommodate 24 residents, is expected to open in 2028. According to Greg Babstock, assistant deputy minister of health, this facility will be Nunavut’s second long-term care home, following the establishment of a similar facility in Rankin Inlet earlier this year. Funding for the project is provided through the Canada-Nunavut Integrated Bilateral Agreement under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Concern was also raised about the project’s financial specifics. During the question period, MLA George Hickes from Iqaluit-Tasiluk inquired about the anticipated cost of the Cambridge Bay project and the breakdown of funding between the federal government and the Government of Nunavut. Main declined to provide specifics, citing the ongoing procurement process. “We are yet to go through the procurement process and enter into a contract,” he stated, refraining from disclosing either a total cost or a cost-sharing arrangement.

After the assembly session, Savikataaq reiterated his concerns about the timing of the ceremony, noting that the long-term care facility has not yet received complete approval in the territory’s capital budget. He highlighted that the ceremony occurred just before the legislature is set to dissolve on September 21, 2023, ahead of the upcoming election on October 27, 2023. Main did not provide further comments following the session, leaving questions about the project’s future and financial implications still unanswered.