Enook keeps pounding housing drum
Longstanding vacancies in government units still a problem
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, November 9, 2015
MITTIMATALIK/POND INLET
Tununiq MLA Joe Enook, who has brought up the issue of empty housing units many times before, again was denied any firm answers in the legislative assembly about the issue.
"Many of my constituents are understandably frustrated when they see that perfectly usable units in the community stand empty for significant periods of time," said Enook in Inuktitut in the legislative assembly.
"I do recognize that staff housing units need to be available for such life-and-death positions as nurses, but I believe that we need to think carefully about what to do with the chronically vacant units for government staff."
Finance Minister Keith Peterson responded he's aware of Enook's concerns.
"He has been eloquently speaking about it for years," said Peterson.
He said his department is aware of it and is continuing to work with all the government departments to fill vacant positions where housing is available.
"Usually before the positions are advertised, if they require housing, we've got to ensure that there is housing before they even go to competition," said Peterson. "In the meantime, they will continue to staff positions where possible with qualified casuals or contractors."
Enook responded by rewording his question, asking, "In cases where a department is being unreasonably slow in going out to competition to fill a vacant position, what actions does the Department of Finance take in that case when they are not filling the vacant positions?"
Peterson said the Human Resources division constantly views and monitors departments and is aware of the vacant positions in Pond Inlet.
He explained many reasons are tied to, "if you run a competition, eligible people are ruled ineligible because they don't screen into the position for interview, so they continue to use casuals where necessary and/or contracts."
Enook then asked if the Department of Finance is working with the Nunavut Housing Corporation on the issue.
Peterson said there are positions that are higher priority for employment for housing units in all regions, including, for example, teachers, doctors and nurses.
"I believe that the Department of Finance is working with the housing corporation to review the whole staff allocation process," he said. "I just can't give him an update today on exactly what they're looking at, but I will ask my officials to give me an update."
