Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Baker Lake (Oct 16/02) - The director for Sport Nunavut has been dismissed by the Department of Community Government and Transportation (CG&T).

Ann Barteaux's dismissal from the position was made official last week.

Assistant deputy minister Shawn Maley says CG&T decided Sport Nunavut has lost its focus and needs a new direction.

"Having Barteaux as the director for Sport Nunavut just didn't work out," says Maley.

"The direction in which the organization was going with her at the helm was not one we were happy with, so we made the decision to let her go."

Kyle Seeley is the acting director until Barteaux's replacement is found.

Maley has called a meeting for Friday to bring the senior advisor for sport Marilyn Neily, Seely and recreation senior managers together.

He says the brainstorming session is to map out a new direction for sport-and-recreation programs.

"We want to get back to square one and start servicing local and territorial sports organizations (TSO) from a Nunavut perspective.

"It's time to take a step back and say, 'OK, what are we doing here?' "

Maley says the TSOs have not been adequately developed and there are not enough resources available to people in the sporting community.

He says Sport Nunavut has failed to meet the territory's sporting needs at the grassroots level.

"We're now going to look for someone who can lead that for us, as well as take care of our initiatives and obligations at the territorial and national levels."

Maley says CG&T is examining all its options, including moving Sport Nunavut to an arm's-length distance away from the government.

"We've discussed that option internally, but any decision of that magnitude would have to go through cabinet.

"I want to ensure our organization is servicing its client group in the best manner possible and whatever option aligns itself best with that is the one we're going to recommend.

"As for the organization's head office, as far as we're concerned, Sport Nunavut is designated for Baker Lake and that's where it will remain until we're told otherwise."