Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (May 05/99) - Keewatin health and education leaders are adopting a wait-and-see stance in the aftermath of the Nunavut government's decision last week to phase out regional health and education boards.

The government's review of the regional boards followed recommendations from the Nunavut Implementation Commission's report Footprints Two which questioning the lack of accountability with the existing board structures.

Premier Paul Okalik announced that the elimination of the regional boards will not result in any loss of operations at the community level and expects the phase-out to increase efficiency and responsiveness of program delivery.

"This decision is a reflection of the government of Nunavut's commitment to be open and accountable," said Okalik.

It is estimated the consolidation of administration services will save about $3 million in health and social services and $1 million in education, which will be reinvested in program delivery for both departments.

The three regional health boards are to be phased out by April 2000, while the three regional education boards are to be phased out by July 2000.

Keewatin Regional Health Board CEO Dr. Keith Best said what's done is done. He said the decision has been made and now all parties must concentrate on working as diligently as possible to ensure the work is done for the transition period to go smoothly.

"I have to acknowledge that the elected government has the right to decide on these matters," said Best. "Now we must really move quickly on looking at what we intend to replace the regional boards with and try to ensure that as strong a system as possible is put in place to replace the regional boards.

"When one read between the lines, as far as Footprints One and Two are concerned, you knew this action would be a subject raised at some point by the politicians. The decision coming at this time is somewhat surprising, but not to the degree it shocks you out of your mind."

Kivalliq Divisional Educational Council (KDEC) chairperson Bernard Putulik said his council's members were expecting the announcement and the timing came as no great surprise.

Putulik was in Rankin Inlet for KDEC meetings on educational matters this past week, but said he would need more time before making a public statement regarding the announcement.

"The council members and our KDEC director, Curtis Brown, told me they would rather I waited until we have the chance to discuss the matter further next week before saying anything," said Putulik. "I should have a statement regarding the matter at that time.

"We were expecting this. We knew it was going to be like this. I can't answer right now, whether we think this is a good move, until I talk further with the other KDEC members in the communities."