Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Apr 29/02) - Volunteers from the Canadian Executive Service Organization met with senior government officials in Iqaluit last week.

President Charles Beer and representative Arn Snyder were in the capital discussing the assignments CESO volunteer advisers may undertake in the future.

CESO is a non-profit network of 3,600 retired or semi-retired Canadians who volunteer their skills and experience with communities and governments working to improve social and economic conditions worldwide.

Referred to as volunteer advisers, CESO representatives offer valuable expertise on issues.

They began work in Nunavut last year -- within and outside of the government -- after signing a three-year agreement with the territorial government last June.

Projects so far have included improving Inuit employment plans, reviewing tenders to design Iqaluit's new hospital, building the financial skills of Hall Beach hamlet staff and helping draw up the Arctic Winter Games budget.

All projects are initiated by the client and volunteers are rigorously trained to ensure their work and attitudes are culturally appropriate.

Assignments focus on the territory's commitment to implementing the Nunavut Land Claims' provision for promoting Inuit employment within the government.

CESO volunteers have completed 14 assignments and are in the process of planning this year's projects.

Bert Rose, an Iqaluit resident and a volunteer adviser, said a CESO representative is working with the city of Iqaluit on the problem-riddled sewage treatment facility.

"We have a volunteer adviser who is in year 7 of helping the city of Bombay design their sewage treatment plant," said Rose. "It's great to have him here in Iqaluit. It free, world-class advice."

Rose also stressed that CESO volunteers don't take over the jobs of Nunavummiut, but work with them and transfer skills and knowledge.

"They do a better job as a result of time spent with a volunteer adviser and have a greater understanding of what they're facing," he said.