Rankin Inlet (Sep 17/03) - Physically-challenged residents of Rankin Inlet are upset over a lack of access to a specialized vehicle.

Jerry Kalaserk listens to Mayor Lorne Kusugak's response to his plea for better access to a specialized vehicle in Rankin Inlet. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Jerry Kalaserk has been confined to a wheelchair for the past five years.

Kalaserk appeared before hamlet council this past week to deliver a passionate plea for help.

The home care van has been out of service for most of the summer.

It is currently laid up with mechanical problems that make its hydraulic wheelchair lift unsafe for use.

Kalaserk said even when the van was on the road, it was hard to access.

He said that's unfair to the community's physically challenged.

"It's getting more and more frustrating having to be sitting at home all the time," said Kalaserk.

Should have access

"We should have access to that vehicle. Not just for shopping at the Northern, but for going out on the land for picnics and spending time with family on the weekend.

"Such access would improve our quality of life."

The regional co-ordinator for Health and Social Service's Home-and-Community Care program, Jennifer Berry, said funding for the van was provided by the First Nations and Inuit Home-and-Community-Care program.

She said her department is open to discussion on the operation of the vehicle, but its mandate would have to be adhered to, ensuring home care clients still receive vehicle priority.

"More discussions are needed and we have to see an actual work plan or a detailed proposal," said Berry.

"We simply don't have the manpower or financial resources to run it as a taxi service.

"But, even if there's only one person in the hamlet who would benefit from the vehicle being used more, then it should be explored further."

Mayor Lorne Kusugak said better transportation has to be made available to the community's physically challenged.

He said council is willing to look at ways to get more control over the vehicle's operation, including partnering with another agency.

"The service being provided by Health and Social Services is simply not adequate," said Kusugak.

"You can't take such a specialized van, put it out of commission, then be satisfied in saying it won't be back on the road for another month.

"People who need this van shouldn't have to beg for it."