Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Oct 09/02) - News of the Work Centre's closure frustrates Rankin Inlet employer Bob Fitzpatrick of Electric Ltd.

Fitzpatrick used the centre often for his labour needs and says no job was too small or too menial for the workers that were sent to him.

"We had an excellent response from the Work Centre every time we requested someone," says Fitzpatrick.

"We used Work Centre personnel to complete about 85 per cent of the Met Compound project at the airport.

"And, we picked up one of the best electricians we've ever had from the centre in Bobby Makpah."

Fitzpatrick says the centre provided opportunity to many people in the community who wanted to work, but had no trade and limited experience.

He says the employment opportunities they received through the centre introduced them to a number of occupations and gave them knowledge towards their next job.

"You can't teach that experience in school. You have to be out and doing it.

"It's sad that it's gone because it was the only genuine source for labour in the community."

Fitzpatrick says the bottom line is the Work Centre's system worked.

He says seeing the pride on the faces of its clients on pay day was a special feeling for him.

"You could see how good earning their own money made these guys feel about themselves.

"Rankin's been cut back enough.

"There must be other ways to help the smaller communities without stopping a successful program in Rankin."