Cambridge Bay (Jan 22/07) - It's now the Kitikmeot's turn to lose a doctor under murky circumstances.

Dr. Christine Dechert, chief medical officer at the Kitikmeot Health Centre and Cambridge Bay's only doctor, said she'll be leaving the community in mid-February.

Cambridge Bay doctor Christine Dechert said she has to leave her job at the Kitikmeot Health Centre eight months before her contract expires despite wanting to remain in the Kitikmeot. - photo courtesy of Christine Dechert

In an e-mail, Dechert confirmed she signed a one-year contract with the Government of Nunavut in August, 2006. She said she wasn't able to say why she was being let go, due to a confidentiality clause in her contract.

"The worst part of this situation is the personal pain caused by having to leave my job, home and support system all at the same time," Dechert wrote.

Dave Richardson, the assistant deputy minister of operations who is based in Cambridge Bay, didn't respond to two separate requests for an interview.

A spokesperson for Health and Social Services said Dechert's contract had simply expired.

"For whatever reason it's perceived (in the community) as something else," she said.

Dechert first came to Nunavut in 2004, when she worked in Rankin Inlet on recurring temporary contracts. She planned to work in the Kitikmeot for "two to five years." She said she's developed a deep affection for Inuit culture and the land.

"I wish I could continue to make my home in Cambridge Bay and provide service to the people of the Kitikmeot region," Dechert wrote.

She said it's possible she may return to the Kivalliq, move to the Northwest Territories or return to her home town of Vancouver.

In an e-mail, Cambridge Bay MLA Keith Peterson said rumours about the cause of Dechert's impending departure are circulating through town.

"I (have) received a couple of e-mails from constituents who are upset that the doctor is leaving when she apparently wants to stay in town," he said.

Dechert's is the third such case since June 2006.

In August, Viviane Provost left Baffin Regional Hospital in Iqaluit after barely a month despite wanting to stay. In June, James Wiens of Rankin Inlet did not have his contract renewed even though he was well-liked by the community and also wanted to stay in Nunavut.

Each time, Health and Social Services officials have maintained there were legitimate reasons for the doctors leaving the territory, but refused to explain, citing confidentiality rules.