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Statement from the Mayor
Canada Day Celebrations
July 1st, 2020 – Iqaluit, Nunavut
Around the world and here in Nunavut, we are all facing many challenges. Today is a time to celebrate our health and reflect on what it means to be Canadian. I would like to wish everyone a very happy Canada Day.
Today we celebrate that Canada is a place where Canadians from all backgrounds are free to express themselves and who contribute to this country. Our diversity is at the heart of our identity and is a great source of strength that we display to the rest of the world every day.
Even in the far reaches of this country, Iqalummuit continue to respond to the global pandemic of COVID-19, the anti-racism movement, all while witnessing the effects of climate change.
However, these hardships should not make us despair the future. Let this disruption be an opportunity to reflect on what matters most to us and then find ways to make different choices. It is tiring work, but when communities come together, we can overcome our challenges.
Earlier this year when the world began to face COVID-19, Nunavut responded immediately recognizing the gravity of the situation. The City would like to acknowledge and give thanks to the hard work of Chief Public Health Officer Michael Patterson, Health Minister George Hickes, Premier Joe Savikataaq. With your leadership, we can proudly say that Nunavut is still COVID-free.
Iqalummiut gave a communal effort by taking extra preventative measures, distancing ourselves and staying home. We helped our friends, neighbours and Elders during their quarantine. Parents found ways to work from home and teach their children who were not able to go to school.
While we all found creative ways to adapt, I would like to give special thanks to City Staff. Thank you to the Department of Recreation for quickly adapting and moved our wellness activities online. Thank you to everyone on our Public Works crews for still ensuring that residents received their services while they spent more time at home. Thank you to all front line and health care workers who continue to show up through all this uncertainty.
I would also like to acknowledge the hard work from our community organizations with a special thank you to Tukisigiarvik Society, Uquutaq Men’s Shelter, YWCA Agvvik Women’s Shelter, Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre, and the Hunters and Trappers Association. You stepped up, provided for your community, and we saw your resourcefulness shine.
The past months have been a great example of how strong our community truly is. We should feel proud of our efforts and celebrate our community for being here for each other. Helping others in the community only mean that we all succeed.
Iqaluit has grown into a City of eight thousand people from all over Nunavut, Canada, and beyond. The combined efforts from many generations, heritages and backgrounds has made Nunavut’s capital city a truly unique place to live.
Thank you for being the active citizens you are. With summer ahead of us and the reopening of restaurants and facilities, I encourage you to participate in local cultural and community events. Keep our outdoor spaces and waterways clean. Engage in respectful and meaningful conversations with your peers, volunteer and help your neighbours.
I hope you have a safe and happy day as you enjoy today’s Canada Day events.
Sincerely,
Mayor Bell
For media related questions, please contact:
Lisa Milosavljevic
Communications and Customer Service Manager
City of Iqaluit
867-979-3216
