Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 23/02) - While it may not have been straight A's, a report card on the hamlet of Rankin Inlet's operations does show marked improvement.

Senior administrator Ron Roach says the hamlet volunteered to undergo an operational evaluation by the Department of Community Government and Transportation (CG&T).

"Most times, CG&T only looks at the audited financial statements, whether you're in good standing or not," says Roach.

"But, there's a lot more to hamlet operations than just your finances, such as bylaws and buildings being properly maintained, proper programming, service delivery and staff training."

The evaluation produced 30 recommendations, including maintaining due diligence in collecting overdue accounts and updating the hamlet's computer systems.

Roach says hamlet staff were happy with CG&T's findings.

He says the report was treated as a learning tool, rather than an evaluation on how staff members were doing their jobs.

"I've only been hamlet SAO for two years and I can always use help.

"That's why I said come in and review it all and tell us what we may not be doing properly."

Roach says the best way to approach the evaluation is to view it as a report card that shows your overall grade and points out areas in need of improvement.

"Once we've identified those areas, we can develop a work plan in co-operation with CG&T to bring them up to top levels."

CG&T's Shawn Maley says such in-depth evaluations are only undertaken every four to seven years.

CG&T is hoping to conduct evaluations on seven Nunavut communities this year, another seven to 10 next year, and the remainder the following year.

Maley says the results of the Rankin evaluation have CG&T satisfied with the way the hamlet is conducting its affairs.

"That wouldn't have been my answer three years ago, but the hamlet has come a long way," says Maley.

"It's not an easy process, collecting old debt and making sure your new receivables are staying current.

"But, they're been doing a fine job during the past couple of years and we're optimistic that trend will continue."