Urgent Calls for Pond Inlet Airport Expansion by Tununiq Candidates

BREAKING NEWS: Two candidates vying for the Tununiq MLA seat, Brian Koonoo and Verna Strickland, are urgently calling for an expansion of the airport in Pond Inlet. With no incumbent MLA in the race, the candidates emphasize that improved airport facilities could significantly lower grocery costs and boost local employment.

Candidate Brian Koonoo asserts that a new airstrip would be a game-changer for the community. “A new airstrip in Pond Inlet would benefit the hamlet by creating more jobs, reducing food prices, and increasing housing availability,” he stated emphatically. His vision is centered around enhancing the quality of life for residents while addressing pressing economic concerns.

Fellow candidate Verna Strickland supports airport expansion as a catalyst for local economic growth. “We need to expand our airport to support increased traffic and development opportunities for our people,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of local work opportunities.

Koonoo also emphasized a commitment to community engagement, stating, “I am willing to help my fellow constituents with their concerns and aspirations.” Strickland added that her focus includes establishing a year-round Canadian Armed Forces presence, which she believes would underscore the strategic importance of Pond Inlet in the Northwest Passage.

The candidates also addressed the impact of the nearby Mary River iron ore mine, owned by Baffinland Iron Mines. Koonoo called for better communication with the mine to ensure that community members benefit from the extraction of local resources. “We need to create better links so that everyone in our community can reap the rewards,” he urged.

Housing remains a critical issue for Strickland, who pointed out that 150 people are currently on the waiting list for homes in Pond Inlet. “I will push for more homes and solutions to address this pressing issue. There is plenty of land available, and our community has already established a subdivision to prepare for expansion,” she stated.

As the election approaches, residents of Pond Inlet can participate in advance polling from October 13 to 23 at the Small Church from noon to 7 p.m. On October 27, final voting will take place at the Community Hall from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

With the urgency of these developments, both candidates are rallying support from locals who are eager for change. As Pond Inlet gears up for the election, the community’s future hinges on the outcomes of these important proposals. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.