Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Dec 22/99) - A failure to follow proper procedure is the official reason being given for the dismissal of Rankin Inlet dentist William Bourque.

Bourque was an employee of Nunavut Dental Services, a company contracted by the Keewatin Regional Health Board to provide dental services in the region.

Bourque said he was not given any reason for his dismissal.

While Bourque's ability as a dentist was never called into question, NDS managing partner Ron Boyar said he did give reasons.

"I explained to Bill (Bourque) during a conversation on Dec. 6 he was being let go and the reasons why," said Boyar.

"Not the least of which was his threatening to leave and his uncertainty as to whether he was going to come back after his Christmas break.

"That, combined with a lack of communication, led to his dismissal."

Bourque insists he wasn't fired until he received a telephone call on Dec. 14, from Kivalliq dental manager Michele Ashby.

"I was actually treating a patient and had to stop what I was doing to take this call," said Bourque.

"Michele informed me NDS was not sending me back after Christmas and the KRHB didn't want me back either.

"It was totally unprofessional to phone in the middle of a dental procedure and give the news like that."

Ashby vehemently denies firing Bourque during the phone call.

"How could I fire him when he was not a KRHB employee?" she said.

Boyar said Bourque's recollections are typical of the communication breakdown taking place, which included his refusal to speak to Ashby in recent weeks.

Boyar said NDS let Bourque go, not the KRHB. Although NDS was Bourque's employer, it was necessary for him to communicate through dental director Ashby.

Boyar said he would have done anything to avoid the situation, but felt he was backed into a corner.

"We felt that we, and the people of Rankin Inlet, were being held up for ransom.

"Although I feel sorry for him and his family, I had to do what is best for the people of Rankin Inlet," said Boyar.

Bourque said he and his wife were a valuable asset to the community.

"I'm a dentist with a PhD and my wife has 18 months experience nursing in the North. We have a lot to offer the community.

"We would still be willing to stay for the year we signed on for and are still available if the people want us to come back for that year."