Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Sep 02/05) - Concerns about health care, social and education funding dominated the discussion at Ingamo Hall Monday night as members of the GNWT's Standing Committee on Accountability and Oversight (AOC) came to hear how the government could better spend its budget.

"We don't have enough teachers in the schools to address students' needs," said Gerri Sharpe-Staples. "Students have a right to learn the way they can learn; not all students are the same."

Sharpe-Staples was one of several Inuvik residents who voiced their opinions about how government spending could better meet the needs of the people. This was the first time such budget consultations have been held in the NWT.

In particular, Sharpe-Staples wants to see more special needs teachers and a dedicated speech therapist for the elementary schools.

Mayor Peter Clarkson used the forum to highlight what many feel was unfair treatment by the GNWT when it dispersed $40 million worth of Northern Strategy dollars.

"It's unfair. Inuvik has to raise its own funds for a rec centre when a community down the valley gets an arena built by government dollars."

Clarkson also wanted the territorial government to help diversify the economy and look at energy saving alternatives.

Speaking to the broadening scope of the NWT economy, Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya agreed with Clarkson.

"We need to take a healthy look at things and not put all our eggs in one basket," he said.

Enough money?

With spending restraint due to cutbacks being the clarion call of past legislative assemblies, there is the looming question of whether the GNWT can afford to provide the services many communities are demanding, such as more teachers and alcohol and drug rehab.

"We've got the money, a billion for 40,000 people," said Sahtu MLA Norman Yakeleya after the meeting. "We have to decide where our priorities are. Is it with bureaucracy, is it with consultants or is it with the people?"

Yakeleya and Twin Lakes MLA Robert McLeod also questioned the decision to spend $41 million on a new courthouse in Yellowknife when money was obviously needed elsewhere.

"I'm hearing the same thing over and over," said McLeod. "People want more for health care, alcohol and drug treatment and rehabilitation and education."

Similar consultations

Nunakput MLA Calvin Pokiak and Monfwi MLA Jackson Lafferty were also part of the AOC delegation to Inuvik. In all, nine NWT communities are scheduled for similar consultations from one of two AOC groups comprised of MLAs.

The issue of better support for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as the Family Counselling Centre, was also discussed.

"NGOs are basically the orphans of government," said Yakeleya. "I'm starting to see a theme in terms of getting help for the people and it seems we need some additional attention in this area."

All MLAs at Ingamo Hall agreed there was a common theme to concerns raised at the previous forum in Yellowknife and in general from their respective constituents.

Consultation

"It's about making a change in the government process," said AOC deputy chair and Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins. "If we try to govern from Yellowknife with no public input, we're out of touch."

According to Hawkins, the point of these budget consultations was to allow the MLAs to better address issues of spending outlined in draft departmental budgets expected by the end of September.

"With this process, we can go to the departments before they make their final decisions (for the draft budget in 2006) that will be debated in the house," he said, adding that it's more practical to lobby departments about their budgets before they are incorporated in a draft to come before the legislative assembly.

As well, it is hoped that the public consultations will help the MLAs make better decisions about the upcoming budget.

Other concerns

Sharon Spinks wants the GNWT to look at rent control.

"I have no problem with business making money. I do have a problem with gouging," she said. "And I think the government has a responsibility to address this."

"We all know that health care and education take up the bulk of government spending but both are failing our children," said Sharpe-Staples.

"Parents' education is linked to their child's performance in school," said Suzanne Robinson. "I would like to see the NWT Literacy Strategy strengthened and the continued development of adult education."

Economically and socially responsible

"The GNWT needs to work to ensure (the Mackenzie Gas) project goes forward in an economically and socially responsible manner," said Mayor Peter Clarkson, who also commented on the high cost of energy.

"There are subsidies for residents but not for businesses or municipalities. The Mackenzie Gas Project should be looked at for addressing this."

"There needs to be more proactive spending and more attention to meeting the housing needs of (medical) staff, especially in smaller communities," said deputy mayor Arlene Hansen, "and consideration of often-overworked doctors to prevent burnout. The student to teacher ratio needs to be reduced.

"It's wrong to have the principal and vice-principal included (on the payroll) as teaching staff when their function is in administration."