Justice department on probationNorthwest Territories/News North - Monday, June 1, 2015
What is black and white and red all over?
Hopefully, it's the embarrassed faces of Justice Department bureaucrats holding the scathing 50-page auditor general's report on their corrections services division.
Corrections Services is responsible for the administration of the territory's four jails, as well as developing and providing access to programs and services that assist inmates in their rehabilitation and re-integration to society.
After reading through the entire document, here is an honest question - what do the people who run corrections services do all day?
Because here's a list of what corrections services staff - at least at the time of the audit - don't do: properly train staff, co-ordinate safety inspections at facilities, manage overtime, offer adequate rehabilitation programming, make sure segregation of inmates is managed appropriately, plan for inmates' release and most importantly, follow its own directives.
More than once in the report the auditor describes situations where the department had reviewed an aspect of corrections services and made directives for improvements, only to have those orders fall on deaf ears.
"In 2008, the department undertook a review of its correctional programs, identifying significant deficiencies and making multiple recommendations for improvement," states the report.
"We found that the department had undertaken some activities in response to the report ... however, many important recommendations remained un-addressed by the department."
The women's correctional facility in Fort Smith is an embarrassment. While the building is scheduled to be replaced by 2018, the audit found it is a tinderbox fire hazard left un-inspected by the fire marshal, the staff had not conducted required evacuation drills and probably most bizarrely, remanded female inmates are housed in a facility with doors that do not lock.
Maybe the honour system works really well in Fort Smith.
There doesn't appear to be anybody managing human resources in corrections services either, judging by the ridiculous amount of overtime claimed by some guards. In the most extreme cases, some are logging 860 overtime hours a year. That is 107 extra eight-hour workdays tacked onto an approximately 250-workday year. According to the report, these security guards are unlikely to be properly trained, which might explain why they are only maintaining case management profiles of some inmates and not following departmental guidelines when they do.
Regarding the release of inmates the report states, "While the corrections service directives indicate the importance of such planning to an inmate's re-integration, they provide very little guidance on planning for inmates' release and focus only on arranging for their transportation back to the place of residence or conviction and on providing inmates with appropriate clothing."
More than 600 inmates entered the corrections system in the NWT in 2013. That same year, the territory boasted the highest crime rate in Canada.
In response to the report, the department has prepared an action plan. It is filled with impressive bureaucratic verbs such as "review", "analyze", "strengthen policy" and "build a change approach."
Until the public can see an analysis of the outcomes of these promises, these words will remain as empty of meaning as they seem today.
And until department officials start managing their own staff, their inmates and their facilities, those running the department's corrections services remain, in terms of public faith, on probation.
Recognize the value of community radio stationsNunavut/News North - Monday, June 1, 2015
We are hoping that Internet isn't killing the radio star.
News that the Kugluktuk Radio Society is looking at closing its doors spells the demise of a valuable source of community development.
Over the course of its 16-year history, the community radio initiative involved more than 200 volunteers, resulted in the ownership of a building and staff house and, more importantly, provided a place for youth to gain confidence, learn about technology and develop into adults who are productive members of society.
It would be a shame for all that history, groundwork and rich culture to disappear just because residents can now be connected to the rest of the world by computer.
People often place a narrow focus on education as something that is only the responsibility of schools. But just as many schools in Nunavut are placing a higher emphasis on delivery of on-the-land programs, there has been a larger realization that young people can learn in many environments, doing a variety of tasks, so long as they challenge the individual, do no harm to others and result in a positive benefit to the community.
Kugluktuk's CKUG 88.7 Buzz FM does all of that and more. Sure, there have been incidences on community radio where volunteers have made inappropriate comments or used inappropriate language on air but by and large they have been a necessary part of the fabric of the community.
In recent years, in some communities, the need for communication within the community, and between friends and relatives in nearby hamlets, has moved to social media, such as Facebook and Twitter. Most communities have a community news Facebook page where people post notices about upcoming events, lost and found items, buy and sell goods, or post greetings to others. However, just like e-mail, social media sites are somewhat impersonal. They do not provide a forum with the same degree of human touch, personality, humour, sarcasm or excitement as the spoken word, carried over the airwaves to radios in cars, kitchens, shacks and garages.
Posting a message on social media requires little skill compared to that required by an audio technician or an on-air personality, reading from a prepared script written with purpose.
Those involved with the Kugluktuk Radio Society over the years testify about the positive impact it had on their lives. One young man began working with the society as a shy, hesitant person with low self-esteem.
The process of learning to run the mixing board, writing down messages and announcements, and developing his voice allowed him to mature into a confident man with pride in his skills and an appetite to develop further.
There's no stopping the Internet. But communities need to recognize the value of radio, fight to preserve it and continue to tune in.
Left in the dark Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, May 29, 2015
The territorial government appears to be heady with spending power after receiving a bump to its borrowing limit from Ottawa recently, leaving the GNWT with a few extra hundred million dollars available in credit and few projects identified.
If executives from Northland Utilities are to be believed, the GNWT has set its sights on what Northland estimates are the $180 million in assets the company controls across the NWT.
Minister responsible for the NWT Power Corporation Michael Miltenberger denies the government is considering the move but the government-owned power corp's decision to enter into the bidding process against Northland Utilities in Hay River could be seen as the narrow end of the wedge. Three MLAs have challenged the government to explain its power strategy against the backdrop of Northland's allegations but so far the government has not obliged.
In the absence of commentary from the government on its strategy to spend our money in direct competition with the private sector power distributor, take a moment to consider what this move amounts to.
Not only is the GNWT pushing back against a private distributor, it is pushing back against a private distributor that only recently became 50 per cent owned by Denendeh Investments Corp., itself owned by 27 NWT First Nations. Denendeh Investments hasn't yet had the opportunity to put its mark on Northland Utilities, and it already faces competition from the government.
Denendeh CEO Darrell Beaulieu was correct to point out the GNWT has better things to spend its money on -- or its credit -- than competing with the private sector to deliver power, whether in Hay River or anywhere else.
Miltenberger said the GNWT has no intention to take over Northland Utility assets. The truth of that statement will bear itself out over time but it is clear that the GNWT plans to outbid Northland in Hay River.
But who asked the GNWT to begin competing with private sector power distribution, whether in Hay River or anywhere else?
Northland Utilities is already heavily regulated by the NWT Public Utilities Board, itself made up of ministerial appointees. For Premier Bob McLeod's government to move against Northland Utilities in Hay River suggests it believes that board is not doing its job.
If the board is doing its job, there likely isn't much room for delivering savings and there can be little reason for the government to enter into the fray.
If the board is not doing its job, the GNWT should be cleaning up shop at the utilities board rather than muscling Northland into a corner.
Miltenberger's Fort Smith constituency already enjoys the lowest power rates in the territory under power corp. Perhaps the minister genuinely believes he can extend that benefit to the rest of the territory.
Nothing in past practices, however, suggests the government can do anything more cheaply than the private sector or with better customer service. In fact, it would appear more likely - in the absence of the need to control costs to ensure a regulated rate of return, as is the case with Northland - that the GNWT would simply shift more money around while endlessly subsidizing smaller communities as more and more government revenue is diverted toward propping up the NWT's power regimen.
It's willingness to swallow $20 million without hardly blinking to pay for extra diesel power due to last year's drought shows what's likely to come if power corp. is allowed to take on more customers.
This is obviously an issue deserving of a much wider public discussion, not power plays behind closed cabinet doors.
If cabinet intends to push Northland out of the NWT - and it's hard to see it any other way despite Miltenberger's denials -- in its belief that eliminating the distributor will provide residents with better energy prices, a move of this magnitude needs to be made an election issue.
To develop shady policy in secret that may in the end burden northern taxpayers with a government-run and financed utility company is not acceptable.
There's more than money in morel mushroomsDeh Cho Drum - Thursday, May 28, 2015
Last year, forest fires raged and an unprecedented amount of the Northwest Territories burned - leading to this year's much-hyped morel mushroom harvest.
Government and industry have both been advertising the bumper crop growing this year, and the sought-after fungus is expected to bring in thousands of mushroom pickers from across Canada as well as up to $10 million for NWT residents.
The government has published a harvesting guide for prospective pickers, and on April 28 the RCMP issued a statement reminding pickers to be safe during the harvesting season. However, by and large the dialogue coming from officials is positive: this year's harvest is shaping up to be a grand adventure.
People get lost, are injured and die in the wilderness all the time. Inexperience can lead to carelessness and mistakes, and any person who has spent time in the wilds of Canada knows that going out unprepared is a recipe for disaster.
While romantic notions of adventure draw large amounts of pickers to the Northwest Territories - including first-time harvesters and people who may not be used to roughing it in the bush - a lack of regulation around this growing industry could result in both physical danger and a missed economic opportunity in the millions of dollars worth of mushrooms that could be leaving the territory.
Unfortunately, when it comes to regulating morel harvesters this year, the train has already left the station, so to speak. Already, groups of pickers are gathering and scouting out burn areas.
Without a set plan to monitor these record numbers of pickers, the government has failed to mitigate risks to its forests and its people.
No doubt the RCMP will do what it can to keep an eye on pickers and buyers. However, wildfires are already blazing around Fort Providence. Record-high heat and low precipitation persist. Throwing inexperienced harvesters who may not know how to respect the land around them into the mix is irresponsible and could have terrible consequences.
This year, it may be too late to do anything. But as more wildfires spring up, other harvesters are already watching to see how much of the forest will burn - and what that could mean for next year's harvest.
By then, hopefully the government will have gotten its act together and regulated this growing industry before a tragedy occurs.
Keep on soaking up the sunshineInuvik Drum - Thursday, May 28, 2015
It seems as if the weather is the topic on the top of everyone's minds.
On May 21, the Weather Network said Inuvik was forecast to be the warmest spot in Canada. When have those words ever been written about this region in May?
The answer is likely never.
That follows the record-breaking heat of the Victoria Day weekend, when temperatures hit the 27 C or 28 C degree mark.
While it's definitely odd, the weather we've been enjoying as the polar day's 24-hour daylight is upon us definitely is being taken advantage of by residents.
Combined with the ice going with barely a whimper over the last week, boaters hit the water in droves over the weekend. Everything from canoes and kayaks to large power boats were out over the weekend, and far more people were enjoying the sunshine at the shore in the various parks and picnic areas.
I've seen far more people out on bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs than normal, as well as people simply walking about and hiking.
Softball players were among the beneficiaries as well, as they had some delightful weather to open their season with on Sunday.
It's a good thing to see, and according to the Weather Network, we have something called a rex block to thank for it. A high pressure system has settled over us while a low to the south has it locked in place, effectively trapping a good chunk of the warm air in North America over the Western Arctic.
So it's unlikely to last, and more seasonal temperatures are set to roll in for the weekend if the forecast is correct.
What's also good to see is that people aren't spending too much time wringing their hands and grumbling over climate change.
Yes, the Western Arctic and the Mackenzie Delta are among the fastest-warming sections of Canada, as most people are aware of now.
This latest heat wave doesn't seem to be connected to that, which is perhaps another reason why people are relaxing and enjoying it.
Sometimes it's best not to look too deeply into good things. Instead, let's simply soak up the sun
So relax and enjoy this glorious start to summer while it's here, and let's leave the worrying behind for a bit.
We have enough winter here ... a little more summer can't hurt.
Food trucks tough to defendYellowknifer - Wednesday, May 27, 2015
If food vendors wish to be accommodated downtown, the onus is on them to prove the benefits they provide the city outweigh the impact on businesses that have laid down brick and mortar roots in the downtown core and pay a hefty premium to be there.
Otherwise, their ability to serve a cheap hotdog is not going to cut mustard.
When Couns. Adrian Bell and Dan Wong pushed to get vendors into the city-owned lots on 50 Street, food truck operator Murray Jones of Curbside Treats and Eats responded by saying there needed to be a "significant cleanup" and that the city should step up its municipal enforcement presence, along with the RCMP.
Not to mention Fresh Squeeze food truck vendor Jennifer Vornbrock who felt as though language in a proposed bylaw restricting more than one vendor from operating on a single block was changed without consultation. She said she had left a meeting with city staff under the impression that the limit would be two vendors to a block.
Now, there's nothing wrong with making sure those most affected by city bylaws are kept apprised. To that end, it might be a better idea to choose a more reliable contact method other than e-mail, which city spokeswoman Nalini Naidoo said were sent but not received.
However, lets keep in perspective what the food trucks do for our city.
While food trucks are a welcome sight to those on their lunch breaks, owners still have a long way to go in order to prove their value as economic engines for the city in the same way that storefront businesses in the downtown core have.
Food vendors are not unlike houseboaters in Yellowknife Bay. Both enjoy city services but don't pay property taxes.
It doesn't help that food vendors hire few employees, and they are only seasonal when they do.
On the other hand, they draw people away from the established restaurants that operate -- and therefore employ people - year-round, putting staff at risk of shorter hours and lost jobs when forced to compete with the more mobile and easier to run food trucks.
If downtown commuters prefer buying lunch from food trucks now, they should ask themselves, 'What happens when the food trucks drive the restaurants out of business and there is no where to get a hot cup of soup come winter?'
As anyone who has walked by the empty storefronts can attest, this is not at all an unlikely scenario facing downtown's fragile business community.
Better to have the right tools than notYellowknifer - Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Two years ago, when a dog sledder plunged through open water on Yellowknife Bay, city emergency responders were criticized for not bringing several items that would have helped expedite his rescue, namely a toboggan, knife and some blankets.
The fire department's rescue truck carries countless pieces of equipment so preparing for the given situation can be difficult. Still, it's hard to imagine why the city wouldn't pack an item as unobtrusively portable as the EpiPen on its ambulances.
EpiPens have become an essential tool in saving the lives of people with severe allergies, so it doesn't make sense ambulances are not stocked with them.
City councillor Dan Wong was told the $135 EpiPens only have a three-to-four-month shelf-life, and ambulances are rarely more than a few minutes away from the hospital.
Never mind that the manufacturer states EpiPens are in fact good for at least 12 months, prudence suggests, when every second counts - such as when someone is experiencing anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction - having an EpiPen on board is a good idea. With warmer weather come insects, and the chance of someone being stung by a wasp or bee and having a severe reaction -- on top of all the other non-seasonal allergies that exist year round.
There are three ambulances in the city.
That's three pens for $405 - hardly a bank-breaking proposal for the peace of mind they will bring.
It might even be argued, sending ambulances to emergencies with no EpiPens on board is sort of like sending firefighters to a burning house with garden hoses.
Souring on the lunacy of privilegeEditorial Comment by Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News - Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Just when I thought there couldn't be any more groundless accusations of racism and privilege spewed over nothing more than the colour of one's skin, out come the milk wars.
This is the belief that drinking milk is a sign of white privilege because other ethnicities are more likely to be lactose intolerant.
To me, much of these concocted issues is garbage being strewn around by those who paint everyone with the same brush in hopes of hitting something, or someone, for personal gain.
And it just keeps getting sillier.
Contrary to what those who promote white privilege would have you believe, if I were to drive around a glitzy neighbourhood for awhile, you better believe many who live there would be wondering who I am and what I'm doing.
They wouldn't automatically accept me because my skin is white.
I'm not rich, nor am I privileged, and they would see that right away.
It's called class privilege and it's blind to all colour, save green, silver and gold.
I was once bumped from my flight in Rankin while trying to go to a minor hockey event because I was on a sports fare and an Inuk executive hauled out his company credit card and said he'd pay full fare.
Class privilege! It had nothing to do with the colour of our skin and everything to do with the colour of his money.
It's not terribly difficult to support, or debunk, almost every point in White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, an essay by American anti-racism activist Peggy McIntosh.
It's a fool's game.
For every list someone compiles in today's world that professes to show examples of white privilege, another equally stinging list can be compiled showing how being white today makes you responsible for the majority of the world's ills.
Imagine every time you did something to help someone not of your colour, you were accused of having an ulterior motive in trying to make them more like you.
Not a nice feeling.
The race and privilege cards are played so much today, they are even being used on milk.
I kid you not!
Some studies show milk may not be the magic health elixir we thought it to be.
But in presenting the argument, we're told milk producers were able to pull the cud over our eyes for so long because it's enjoyed a privileged position in the North American diet.
We're also told government has long extolled the virtues of drinking milk, while knowing many ethnicities can have trouble digesting it because of lactose intolerance.
So not only has milk come under fire as a healthy choice, it's now been officially labelled as racist!
Seriously?
How do you decide what's a genuine concern and what's just so much poppycock with these terms being bandied about so frivolously?
While there may be credence to the dangers of drinking too much milk, I hold those who continue to use colour to make their point in udder disrespect!
