Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jan 28/02) - In light of the changes to the communication policy at the Department of Community Government and transportation, News/North canvassed other government departments on their communications policies.

Calls were placed to the offices of the deputy ministers.

Culture, Language, Elders and Youth, deputy minister Carmen Levi:
Call was not returned

Education, deputy minister Tom Rich:
"Yes, I can speak to the media, depending on the issue. In most cases, it should be the minister who is the spokesperson, but if it's technical or specific, its appropriate for the deputy (minister) or other staff to speak to it."

Executive and Intergovernmental Affairs, deputy minister Anne Crawford:
Call was not returned

Finance, deputy minister Bob Vardy:
Call was not returned

Health and Social Services:
Call was not returned

Human Resources:
Call was not returned

Justice, acting deputy minister Simon Awa:
"What we're trying to do is have frontline workers talk to the public and the media and not rely on senior managers or the minister ... They do advise the director or supervisor what the interview is about ... We're trying to keep an open door policy."

Legislative assembly, public affairs officer Tony Rose:
"Obviously if it's something the members are doing, it's appropriate to speak to the member. If it's something the assembly is doing like going on the road, media can speak to myself or (the deputy clerk) or (the clerk)."

Public Works and Services, deputy minister Ross Mrazek:
Call was not returned

Nunavut Housing Corporation, president Pam Hine:
"Our policy is the president is the first point of comment and in my absence, the acting president. If it's a district specific issue, we could end up having the district manager speak to it."

Sustainable Development, deputy minister Alex Campbell:
Call was not returned as Campbell was out of town. However, reception staff unable to say who was acting deputy minister.