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Canada PM eating seal meat, Iqaluit gaffe draws attention

by 158 | August 18, 2009 at 05:37 pm

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the prime minister’s office to issue press releases Monday referring to Nunavut’s capital as Iqualuit — rather than Iqaluit. In Inuktitut, Iqaluit means “many fishes.” Refer to Iqualuit, however, and local residents turn red, giggle and point out that it is a derogatory term that means “people with unwiped bums.” P

This shows one if the dangers
for a president or for a prime
minister when he tr ries tu use
a regional language ir tries a
local custom. If he is not well
informed a small slip can lead
to a big embarassing incident,

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Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 19:05 on August 18th, 2009

It was actually a staffer that got it wrong. I think he will get over it:). In some ways it's amusing. I could take a lot of things that would irritate me about Prime Minister Harper, but this isn't one of them. I'm sure the Inuit had a little chuckle and laughter is always good.

You may also recall the story where the Gouvernor General of Canada ate seal meat. It is a hard thing to get out of. After all it is an Inuit tradition. One of he Inuit leaders was concerned that PM Harper might get sick because seal meat is so rich and has a tendency to upset the stomachs of those not used to it.

Here is the story and reason for his visit

Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled a new northern development program Tuesday and touted the North's seal hunt, but his message was sidetracked by an unfortunate typo and continued fallout from a distressing photo.

On Tuesday, Harper introduced the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, which the government says will be responsible for administering federal initiatives and infrastructure programs in the region.