Iqaluit (Mar 31/03) - A homegrown Nunavut Education Act is back at square one following harsh criticism last week.

The standing committee set to review Bill 1 found enough flaws in the document to recommend the legislation not be supported.

"As a result of its review and in recognition of many concerns and issues raised during the review process, the standing committee on health and education does not support the adoption of Bill 1," said Jobie Nutarak, committee chair.

"Given the critical role that education plays in the future of Nunavut, members feel certain that Nunavummiut will understand the need for the government to take more time to ensure our education system reflects our culture, priorities and aspirations."

Some critics argued the bill was unconstitutional because of perceived biases against English and French minorities.

It was also panned because not enough consideration was taken towards students with disabilities.

Kathy Smith, president of the Iqaluit district education authority said problems with the bill simply proved too unsurmountable.

"There were a lot of flaws," said Smith.

"The whole process was flawed."

She added the government shouldn't be in such a rush to implement the bill.

"Just to say we have a Nunavut Education Act is not a priority," said Smith.

MLA Glenn McLean, who was also a member of the standing committee, agreed more work needs to be done.

"What really interested us was in community consultation on the bill nothing was said about what people liked about the bill. They said what they didn't like about it," he said.

Although the government said it had given the public opportunity to respond to the bill, McLean said there was very little evidence that was the case.

"Everywhere we went we never heard of anyone that had any input," he said.