Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Feb 25/02) - Thanks to the presence of a new government watchdog, territorial laws should soon better reflect the needs of women in Nunavut.

Maureen Doherty, the new executive director of Qulliit, the Nunavut Status of Women Council, said last week the nine-member council plans to spend its time and energy ensuring government policies go the full mile when it comes to adequately addressing women's needs in Nunavut.

The council is mandated to work towards achieving equality for women. It does so by offering advice, conducting research, educating the public and advocating on behalf of territorial women's groups.

Doherty said council members are beginning to realize how important it is to review legislation prior to it becoming law.

"We need to be a voice to inform the government the impact the legislation has on women. Women don't necessarily have the same access to things as men because of issues like poverty," explained Doherty.

"We want more gender analysis and we need to be given the opportunity to review the legislation."

A specific example Doherty provided concerned the government's affirmative action hiring policy. Prior to division of the Northwest Territories, the policy clearly named women as a hiring priority. That policy has not been carried over into Nunavut and the absence may mean women are missing out on employment within the government.

"Are Inuit women having the same access to employment and where is their employment?" asked Doherty.

"This is a concern raised by the council. Prior to division, women were specifically named in affirmative action hiring policies. We know that women are definitely in a lower economic place in Nunavut," she said.

Doherty also pledged the council's commitment to lobbying the government on women's health issues. She said there is lack of access to mammography and to information on breast cancer.

"We should have the same rights as women across Canada to those services. We need transparent and clear policy on breast health and wellness and access to mammography," said Doherty.

"There are a lot of reasons why women's health issues don't get prominence and we want to make sure they do."

To that end, the council received $50,000 from Health Canada to conduct breast cancer seminars in the three regions of Nunavut. Along with teaching breast self-examination and providing information about different breast cancers, Doherty said the money will help figure out how the council can better provide support to women fighting the disease.

"We're going to look at how the council can provide more support for women with breast cancer," said Doherty. The council will review its direction and mandate during a board meeting in Iqaluit March 7 through 9, scheduled to coincide with International Women's Day on March 8.

As well as participating in a celebration of women's music at the Parish Hall March 8, councillors will discuss the appointment of a ninth board member, which opened up when Doherty left to take on the role of executive director.

Women interested in working for the betterment of their friends and neighbours are asked to submit statements of interest to their MLAs or to Rhoda Ungalaq, the government's senior adviser for women's issues and people with disabilities. Nominations must be received by April 5.

Women are urged to contact a member of the council with any concerns they have.