Iqaluit city council votes to keep prayer at meetings

Last night, Iqaluit councillors voted 3 to 2 in favour of leaving prayer as is rather than replace it with a moment of silence, but the debate isn't over yet.

Council also voted unanimously to seek legal advice on whether they're legally allowed to keep the prayer.

Councillor Joanasie Akumalik abstained from voting just for that reason. He said he needs more information before making a decision.

"I wish to hear some more comments about freedom of rights and that sort of thing," Akumalik said. "I'm not a lawyer so I just want to hear what the law side of the story is."

Councillors were voting on a motion moved by Councillor Kenny Bell to drop theprayer that usually opens council meetings.It followed a Supreme Court Decision, which ruled that the municipal council in Saguenay, Quebec cannot open its meetings with a prayer because doing so infringes on freedom of conscience and religion.

That decision prompted several other municipalities to drop their own prayers.

The City of Iqaluit will consult with its lawyer in mid-June.

Support for prayer

Last night's debate opened with support for the prayer, including an emotional plea from Jeannie Arreak-Kullualik.

"You are on Inuit lands, respect us and our cultural practices," she said.

City councilor Simon Nattaq had threatened to resign if Bell's motion passed.

Last night,Mayor Mary Wilman said she supported keeping the prayer.

"At every start of the meetings, we simply ask for support. Guide us, give us strength, guide us in the right direction.

"I don't know what the big issue is about that."