Meet mining needs - MLA
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Baker Lake (Nov 08/00) - Glenn McLean says the lack of training for workers shows the Nunavut government is not interested in the future of mining.
 Glenn McLean |
"Every time you ask (the government) a question about mining training, you're told it's a question of policy, which translates into there's nothing happening," says McLean.
"I'm tired of constantly being met with, 'Oh yeah, we'll look at it.'"
McLean says the lack of preparation by the territorial government makes no sense. Mines at Baker and Rankin Inlet are going to need skilled tradespeople and Nunavut is going to suffer because of lack of training.
If outside labour is sought, workers coming to Nunavut on a rotating basis would pay taxes in their home province, not Nunavut.
"I'm trying to get the departments of Education and Sustainable Development -- along with the regional Inuit associations and their millions of dollars available through the aboriginal training fund -- to start some pre-employment mining training.
"If we access these training dollars, we can build infrastructure in the hamlets and conduct community-based training.
"The Nunavut Government has no idea how to do this."
McLean says the NG doesn't seem to care that the lack of skilled workers is going to cost Nunavut millions in tax revenues and a major employment opportunity for local residents.
He says if Nunavummiut are trained to be miners or heavy-equipment operators, they can work anywhere in Canada, pay their taxes in Nunavut and bring their incomes back to their home communities.
On Monday, Olayuk Akesuk was named the new Sustainable Development Minister, replacing Peter Kilabuk, who is now Minister of Education.
Due to the cabinet change, Kivalliq News was unable to get comment on the issue.
