JOHN AMAGOALIK

A month from now, the people of Nunavut will go to the polls to elect our first legislative assembly. Here are 10 issues that this little corner thinks should be on the minds of people who are running in this election, not necessarily in order of priority.

1. The youth of Nunavut. Our young people expect and deserve a better education system. They need things to occupy their minds to improve themselves and to keep them away from trouble. Boredom is young people's number one complaint. They need to learn to take on responsibility, and to be taught between right and wrong.

2. Crime and violence. Parents, the education system, and the justice system need to work together to combat unacceptable levels of crime and violence.

3. Housing. Our people are still too crowded in their homes. Overcrowding contributes to health and social problems. More people need to own their own homes. There should be no homeless people.

4. Health. Nunavut residents smoke too much. There is too much alcohol and substance abuse. Too many of our kids are growing up on junk food.

5. The population explosion. The Nunavut population is exploding. Will our schools and housing be able to keep up? Will it mean even more overcrowding? Many young people are becoming parents long before they are ready for it. Are we going to overload our social programs? Can we provide jobs for all these kids when they get out of school?

6. The welfare state versus more personal responsibility. The welfare mentality has become too deeply ingrained in the minds of some young healthy people.

7. Job creation. Nunavut needs to diversify its economy. We need to develop our tourism industry and to take advantage of our natural resources. We must also continue to support our traditional economies of arts and crafts, and the harvesting of our wildlife resources.

8. The environment. As we develop our economy, we must never lose sight of the importance of our natural environment. Our biggest asset, in the long run, will always be a clean environment for our unique flora and fauna. Our wildlife should never be put in jeopardy for short term gain.

9. Language and culture. Nunavut will be the home of the Inuit language and culture. But it should not be at the exclusion of others. Sharing and co- operation must continue to be the cornerstones in our relationships with others.

10. Adapting to the realities of the 21st century. Like we always have, we must be quick to use new technology to our benefit. We must realize that we cannot shut the rest of the world out. We must accept our place in the international community and do our small part in the advancement of humankind.

Any candidate who says or thinks these issues are too much for them should not be running.