Chris Puglia
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 17/03) - People escorting patients to medical facilities have been abusing alcohol, says Tunnuniq MLA Jobie Nutarak.

Nutarak asked if there was a policy in place to monitor such incidents and if the Nunavut Department of Health and Social Services was aware of the problem.

Health Minister Ed Picco said he was aware of the problem and there is a policy in place.

When an escort does abuse alcohol they are banned from escorting in the future.

"The trip is not a vacation," said Picco.

Suicide study begins April 1

Minister of Health Ed Picco said research will begin to identify common factors in suicide victims, April 1.

Research will look at age, family history and what supports were available to the victim.

There are two suicides a month in the Territory on average, Picco said

Committee studies schools

A new committee has been created to look at how high schools can better meet student and community needs.

The committee is made up of educators from across Nunavut and will consult with teachers, students, district education councils and members of the community.

Grade 10 to 12 students will be the committee's focus: how to prepare them better for further education and employment.

The committee will also ensure programs meet students' needs and interests as well as provide for an inclusive environment for all students.

The committee will also determine if schools are following the principles of the Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit curriculum.

Job reviews

More than 800 job descriptions within the Government of Nunavut will be reviewed.

The review will attempt to remove artificial barriers to employment, according to minister of human resources Peter Kilabuk.

"Many of the current job descriptions being used within the GN demand education and experience qualifications more suited to areas outside our system," he said.

The review will focus on knowledge, skills and abilities that are required to do the job.

Two staff have been hired to conduct the review.

Positive relations urged

Premier and Minister of Justice Paul Okalik announced a pilot spousal abuse counselling project on Thursday.

"Today in Rankin Inlet, the Ningartailinirmut Ikajurtauvvik officially opened its doors.

Ningartailinirmut Ikajurtauvvik is a spousal abuse counselling program for offenders and victims," said Okalik.

Family courts can refer the individual and the spouse -- if the spouse agrees -- to receive counselling.

Counsellors in the program are an Inuit husband and wife. The program's goal is to help participants learn positive ways to relate to their family members.

"This is a significant program for Nunavut.

"We have a high rate of family violence," the premier said.