SANIKILUAQ
A new policy from the Government of Nunavut will see volunteers compensated for equipment repairs needed after search and rescue operations.

Volunteer spotters learn signalling techniques during practice in Cambridge Bay last summer. Volunteers who use their own equipment to conduct search and rescues could be compensated for damages and repairs if a new policy from the government goes through. - file photo courtesy of Alex Hizaka

Sanikiluaq MLA Allan Rumbolt brought the issue up in the winter legislative assembly sitting, pointing to a current Department of Community and Government Services policy that damaged equipment is "non-eligible" for compensation.

"If a bureaucrat in Iqaluit gets into an accident while driving a government truck on official business, he or she is not liable for the repair bill," said Rumbolt. "The government's insurance covers that. Mr. Speaker, fair is fair. I believe that if a search and rescue volunteer risks his or her own equipment during an authorized search, he or she should not have to worry that they will have to pay for any damages that occur during the search."

His suggestion was met receptively by Community and Government Services Minister Joe Savikataaq.

"The search and rescue organizations in the communities are vital and very useful," Savikataaq said. "They're the organization you hope that you never have to use, but you're sure glad when you need them that they're there."

Savikataaq said that his department has come up with a new policy, which is still undergoing a few tweaks, to address Rumbolt's concern.

"This policy is so that we will be able to replace certain parts that break on equipment during a search," Savikataaq said. "Part of the process would be that these vehicles would be pre-inspected for a search, just a quick go-over by someone who is knowledgeable."

He agreed that people should be compensated for equipment damages if they're using their own equipment for a search and rescue operation.

Rumbolt asked for a "clear and simple explanation" of the process that search and rescue volunteers should undertake to apply for reimbursement in the event their equipment is damaged during an operation.

Savikataaq responded that the policy is not yet complete and his department is consulting with the RCMP.

"The way it currently runs right now is it is ad hoc," he stated.

"There is no real system, but people do get wear and tear and the parts are replaced, one way or the other. As soon as this policy is out, there will be an actual procedure so everyone will know exactly how the process works."

Once the policy is published, the government will notify search and rescue committees in the communities.

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