Despite having a population of "only" 7,700 people, the city of Iqaluit hosts more than its fair share of politicians and foreign dignitaries. Choosing to visit Iqaluit is one way that these leaders try to show that they care about Northerners and Northern issues. But coming up here for a few photo ops isn't always enough. Here are some things leaders can do to show (or at least look like) they really care.
1. Announce your visit ahead of time.
It's just common courtesy. We're busy, too.
2. Hold public events in accessible, inclusive spaces.
Tom Mulcair to hold town hall in Iqaluit Tuesday http://t.co/TDMwvi4juT
— CBC North (@CBCNorth) September 1, 2014
Justin Trudeau speaks to the crowd at a LPC-sponsored community feast. Photo by Anubha.
Hundreds of people lined up to meet Queen Elizabeth during her visit to Iqaluit in 2002. Photo from Nunatsiaq News.
3. Answer questions from the public.
You know, those people that you apparently want to represent and who you're trying to get to vote for you.
.@ThomasMulcair is in #Iqaluit and Actually Speaking to Iqalummiut http://t.co/9w8QKZ5fYo #cdnpoli #NDPol pic.twitter.com/u7MY6JO8Fe
— Finding True North (@FindTrueN) September 4, 2014
4. Answer questions from the media.
Our One-On-One Interview with @JustinTrudeau in #Iqaluit pic.twitter.com/z4A5F1m6hi http://t.co/Z2dfroG6Sl
— Finding True North (@FindTrueN) January 13, 2015
We're not so scary.
5. Appreciate Inuit culture, fashion, or food with the community.
Gov. Gen. David Johnston tries the Inuit head pull competition with Johnny Issaluk. Photo from the CBC.
.@JustinTrudeau rocks a Liberal parka made by Marlene Watson. Photo by Noel Kaludjak. #Iqaluit #Nunavut #Inuit pic.twitter.com/6GOoVp4eNy
— Madeleine Redfern (@madinuk) January 13, 2015
6. Pose for photos with the unselected randoms who take the time to come out to see you.
Nine times out of ten, they just want a selfie.
Justin Trudeau taking photos with his non-vetted well-wishers.
7. Meet with the people actually affected by or working on the issues you include in your speeches.
Thank you @ThomasMulcair and @RomeoSaganash for stopping by the office to learn about what we do. #suicideprevention #embracelife #nunavut
— Embrace Life Council (@IIKELC) September 3, 2014
Wonderful final morning visiting the @Qayuqtuvik Society and talking food security in #Iqaluit. pic.twitter.com/r3QT2jwStZ
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 13, 2015
I'm sure there are many other ways leaders can show that they really care about Nunavut. Suggestions are very welcome; just comment below or send a tweet!