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Collision course Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, February 25, 2011
There is a possibility a vehicle will come flying over the hill from the direction of Giant Mine, making for a close call or an accident. Of course there is also a chance that the person turning or merging onto Highway 4 will not be paying enough attention and will cause a collision. There have been a number of serious crashes at that intersection over the years. It happens to be the busiest convergence of two roads in the territory, with close to 6,000 vehicles passing through each day, according to the Department of Transportation. There have already been two accidents at that site this year. That's on par with an average full year. Michael Conway, an official with the Department of Transportation, frames the issue this way: There are nearly two million vehicles going through that intersection each year. There are an average of two collisions in that area annually. Therefore the chances of a crash are one in a million. For that reason it's tempting to leave well enough alone and let common sense rule the day. The problem is that common sense doesn't prevent accidents. If drivers could simply be left to manoeuvre without the aid of stop lights and signs, then we wouldn't have so many crashes on our roads. Creating a three-way stop at the junctions of highways 3 and 4 - which already has one stop sign for turning vehicles and a yield sign at the merge - would likely prevent the few accidents that occur each year. It would compel those who drive too fast on Highway 4 to put the brakes on as they crest that hill near the intersection. It would also mean that if a driver turning left from Highway 3 or merging from Highway 3 is not fully attentive, then the consequences will be much less severe. One more stop on the way into the city, or the way out, may be an inconvenience to many drivers, but it may save a few others. That would make it worth doing.
More worrisome things than energy drinks Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, February 25, 2011 Here's a statistic: in Canada, between 1990 and 2007, there were 328 cases of children ages 13 and under who were injured by magnets, primarily by ingesting them, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. More alarming than that, between 1993 and 2007, there were 5,403 children reportedly injured by bunk beds. It's a wonder then, in light of this carnage, our MLAs aren't pounding their fists in the legislative assembly and demanding a ban on bunk beds and magnets. But raise the subject of so-called energy drinks and suddenly at least one Yellowknife MLA is pleading for prohibition against selling the caffeine-loaded beverages to kids. Armed with mainly anecdotal information, Frame Lake MLA Wendy Bisaro told the legislative assembly last week that energy drinks are "evil," and a ban on their sale to youth should be considered. There certainly is reason to believe these beverages - some containing 160 milligrams of caffeine or more per can - should be consumed with caution, but there are bigger fish for MLAs to fry. Particularly when statistics show smoking rates among NWT residents 15 years and older still hover around 40 per cent, and 53 per cent of youth ages 15 to 24 report having five or more drinks of alcohol per sitting. Why is Bisaro wasting time pursuing a ban on energy drinks when kids are obviously still sidestepping restrictions an alcohol and cigarettes? We realize the February/March session of the legislative assembly is the longest of the year and it's probably difficult dreaming up new things to talk about as the session grows long. Bisaro has had some good ideas, including her bill protecting food donors from lawsuits, which has led to a marked increased food donations in Yellowknife, but her latest bout of prohibitionist pandering is hardly a priority.
Solar converts Editorial Comment Roxanna Thompson Deh Cho Drum - Thursday, February 24, 2011
>With a five kilowatt array, the gym is the largest solar-powered building in the region. The array is expected to fully meet the gym's energy needs in the summer months when the Deh Cho sees more daylight hours, as long as energy conservation measures are in place. In winter months, when energy output from the array is lower, the gym will still need to draw from the community's electricity grid but not as heavily. Commercial electricity rates in the community have dropped to 42 cents per kilowatt hour from 214.65 cents since December, but reduced dependency on diesel-created energy is still good news. Over its 25-year lifespan, the array is expected to save the community approximately $400,000. That's a lot of money Nahanni Butte will be able to put towards other projects. The high cost of electricity is a major factor in the cost of living and doing business in the Deh Cho. The region, however, has untapped potential for a variety of alternative energy sources. One of the sources, hydro-kinetic energy, was explored last year during a pilot an in-stream hydro-kinetic turbine project on the Mackenzie River; the turbine worked as expected but the design has to be modified to deal with the debris carried by the river. In-stream turbines clearly have a ways to go before they can be used in the Deh Cho's conditions, and there is untested potential for wind and geothermal energy in the region. Bright sunlight in the Deh Cho is almost constant during the summer months. That light will keep the power in Nahanni Butte flowing. These panels have advanced in both reliability and effectiveness. While other energy alternative sources are too expensive or untested, solar panels - with the help of government subsidies -- are within the reach of communities and homeowners alike. Electricity costs have dropped across the territory but by following Nahanni Butte's lead, the Deh Cho can create its own energy.
Small town, big hockey Editorial Comment Kira Curtis Inuvik Drum - Thursday, February 24, 2011
The banter being thrown back and forth between Tuk and Inuvik's Northwind Industries matched the longtime fan rivalry of the NHL teams. At times the decibel levels made me cup my hands over my ears, something I've never had to do at a Canucks game, though I somehow doubt GM Place would allow air horns or pots and spoons. That a senior men's hockey tournament could stir up as much energy as an NHL game was a shock to me and I spent most of my time bundled up and happy, standing between benches, feet stuck to the weekend's worth of spilled hot chocolate below me. The feeling of a big city game was great to absorb on a Sunday night, but it was one of the differences I noticed that made the weekend greater. The rivalry was loud, yet light-hearted. Like a beach ball thrown up into the crowd and thwacked back and forth, the team fans passed their cheers around like they were playing their own game. "Let's go Northwind. Let's go. (Bang, bang, bang)" was instantly countered with: "Let's go Tu-uk. Let's go. (Bang, bang, bang.)" And while there were definitely pockets of like fans all glommed together, there seemed to be no animosity in the portions of the stands that were peppered with mixed fans. At one point some smug-faced teenage boy tried: "Let's go Tu-uk. Northwind su-ucks," but it didn't catch on and he sat there looking embarrassed, like he showed up naked for class. When the Zamboni began its final run after the second period I dropped into some kids' conversation - face pressed up against the glass as we chatted - and asked them who their favourite hockey players were. You know, Martin Brodeur, Alexandre Burrows or Miikka Kiprusoff? No, it was none of those. It was Mickey Ipana, Corey Wainman or Greg Connell. It was my first IRC Cup and I had no notion of what it would be like. But even with no expectations, I was surprised. I left the rink with the horde of tired hockey fans that night feeling all warm and lethargic, like the shallow trays of hot, gravy-smothered French fries - a weekend favourite. Outfitted for diversity Yellowknifer - Wednesday, February 23, 2011
When not being threatened with prosecution for having the temerity to advertise their hunts - something the GNWT was doing itself months after the initial hunting ban on the Bathurst herd was first announced - outfitters were having the carpet pulled from under them as the government axed the much-touted Tourism Deposit Assurance Program, which offered visitors hope they wouldn't lose their deposits on expensive trips to the NWT should their tourism operator go bust. The unveiling of that scheme was a fiasco by itself as the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment couldn't quite admit the program was being terminated despite issuing a letter to outfitters warning them that it was, and even though the program was listed as dead on the department's website. Alas, recently released documents have shown the department is not entirely heartless when it comes to caribou outfitters who have long depended on the deep pockets of visiting hunters, mainly Americans. The 2009-10 report on financial assistance offered through the Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development program, shows some generous contributions toward outfitters. J Group - owner of Peterson's Point Lake Lodge - received $113,000, True North Safaris and Warburton Outfitters received $56,300 and the $50,000, respectively. Outfitters accounted for the lion's share of the $435,865 handed out to Yellowknife entrepreneurs. The money went toward diversifying into other tourism activities, such as fly fishing and eco-tourism. It's unfortunate that tax dollars had to be sunk into these companies but it's better than seeing the one-time bearers of a $5 million industry put out of business. Hopefully, the outfitters will rise to the challenge and show outdoor enthusiasts that the NWT is still a great place to visit, even without the caribou hunting.
Chamber should be energy project watchdogs Yellowknifer - Wednesday, February 23, 2011 Leaders of Yellowknife's business community are insistent that companies from the North be given contract opportunities should the city's $60 million downtown district energy system go ahead. That's a reasonable demand from the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, which is expressing "cautious optimism" over the project. To address that sense of caution, the Chamber should marshal its brightest minds and form a committee to oversee the energy project. These business savvy individuals - Yellowknife taxpayers with a vested interest in the community, unlike southern consultants - could ensure city residents are not going to be saddled with something they didn't bargain for. A referendum on the district energy system, which would potentially use a combination of wood pellets and geothermal heat from under Con Mine, is set for March 14. Yellowknifers will be asked to allow the city to borrow up to $49 million to fund the project, which could provide heat for 39 buildings. City hall has acknowledged that borrowing the money is a last resort if no private partners sign on, although it says three parties have expressed interest. Senior administrator Bob Long has also revealed the city will be acting as a guarantor for the project. That means taxpayers will be on the hook if a corporation set up to run the project cannot make debt payments. Ordinary Yellowknife voters may not be versed in economics, but members of the Chamber are. It's in everyone's best interest that experienced, trained businesspeople keep an eye on the finances and blow the whistle should anything troubling arise.
Price too high for risk Darrell Greer Kivalliq News - Wednesday, February 23, 2011 Rankin Inlet rec co-ordinator David Clark was unfairly put into a difficult situation during the Polar Bear Plate juvenile hockey tournament this past weekend. Clark had the unenviable task of suspending the team from Whale Cove when it became known its players were not registered with Hockey Nunavut and, by extension, Hockey Canada - leaving them without insurance. The team was also only able to ice six players and a goaltender for its opening game against Baker Lake. And, it must be noted, the Baker players showed little mercy for the Whale skaters, thumping them at every opportunity on the way to an 8-1 victory. Some of the legal bodychecks delivered by the Baker players were of the thunderous variety, and that would have got worse as the tourney progressed and Whale went up against opponents from Rankin and Arviat. As unpopular as it may have been with some people, Clark was absolutely correct in suspending Whale from the tournament. Whatever the reasons behind it, and regardless of who dropped the puck in getting these players registered, they were participating in a full-contact, high-tempo tournament with no insurance. It can't be stressed enough how dangerous it was for these players to be on the ice without being registered. I include myself in the growing number of people who feel hockey has become an over-regulated sport. However, having young players registered and fully insured against injury is only common sense. The days of going outside the rules and using the excuse of that's how it is in the North are long gone. If adults want to play in an outlaw tournament like some Nunavut communities host, and take their chances, that's their decision. If they want to risk their job and future financial stability to play in a non-sanctioned event where they're at the mercy of lady luck - they're old enough to make that choice, even if they should know better. But minor hockey players have to be cared for because they don't fully realize the risk they're taking, even if some of them think they do. They're young. In their minds they're indestructible and they truly believe it can't happen to them. Add the macho image that accompanies male hockey, and allowing these young players to make that decision is a recipe for disaster. The organizers of the Polar Bear Plate were assured the Whale Cove players were registered when, in fact, they were not. If such actions continue, it's not a question of if some mother's son pays a terrible price, but when. Being properly registered and insured does nothing to prevent injuries. Numerous serious injuries happen on the ice every year in Canada. Injuries that change young people's lives forever. While being properly registered and insured does nothing to ease the risk, it does provide the means to help deal with the cost of injuries. And it also helps those players who do not fully recover to lead better lives in the aftermath of their injury. Hopefully, the Whale of a bad decision we saw in Rankin this past weekend will not repeat itself. The price is too high!
Nurse practitioners vital to NWT NWT News/North - Monday, February 21, 2011
According the department, the future of the program will be reassessed in 2012 based on its priorities. Statistics point to a serious need for more physicians in the NWT, a need that nurse practitioners -- who can perform many the same duties as doctors - have the ability to fill. A 2011 report by the Conference Board of Canada's Centre for the North calls the NWT's doctor situation critical - there were 65 physicians in the territory as of the 2006 census, 16 per 10,000 people. On the other hand, the Canadian Nurses Association puts the number of registered nurses per capita in Nunavut and the NWT -- stats are combined -- at the highest in Canada at one for every 62 people as of 2008. Despite that ratio, the NWT still struggles with nursing vacancies around the territory. At present, 50 of the 65 community health nurse positions and 15 of the 25 nurse practitioner positions in the territory are filled, according to the Department of Health and Social Services. With more graduates from Aurora College's bachelor of nursing program every year there is a real opportunity for the GNWT to develop a workforce to fill those vacancies from right here in the territory. Students graduating from Aurora College have already proven their willingness to stay in the North. Of the 14 graduates from the nurse practitioner program since it began in 2009, 12 of them are working in the NWT. For that reason alone it makes sense the nurse practitioner program remain in place as a natural progression to their careers. If we can continue to educate these health care professionals in the North it is more likely they will stay and work in the NWT. The GNWT should do everything it can to fill the vacancies in the health sector with permanent staff. Every vacancy means money spent on expensive locum or agency nurses who do not reside in the NWT; it means communities sometimes go without certain services, and it means patients are not necessarily seeing the same health care provider every time, which can be frustrating. On the bright side, the GNWT has made a real effort in reducing its costs when it comes to agency nurses. In 2009-2010 the department spent $183,000 on agency fees to find southern nurses for various communities on a temporary basis. Instead, the health department is now maintaining its own list of potential locums. By hiring the nurses directly, the department filled positions without paying the agency fees. The result was a savings of close to $168,000 in 2010-2011. That is fiscal responsibility and it's good news. Hopefully, savings such as that will give the nurse practitioner program a fighting chance when the government looks for funds to continue the program in 2012. At the cost of $500,000 a year it seems a small investment for big returns -- more nurses with a connection to and understanding of the NWT, money saved on agency nurse fees and a consistency of care.
Sewage and power fixes urgent Nunavut News/North - Monday, February 21, 2011 Water use inspection reports recently released by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada detail problems across Nunavut with leaking sewage lagoons and dumps improperly storing hazardous waste. The reports often target the Government of Nunavut for the lack of water licensing compliance and for dragging its feet in tackling the bigger cleanups. But the Department of Community and Government Services says it never received copies of the reports from the federal department until after they were released to the media. Indian and Northern Affairs is responsible for enforcing compliance with the regulations, yet its own inspection reports state the same violations persist year after year. This doesn't sound like enforcement. What the inspections do show is that the capacity of Nunavut's dumps and sewage lagoons aren't keeping pace with ever-growing communities - and ones that are increasingly trying to accommodate mineral exploration camps - resulting in leaks, spills and other hazards. The federal government wants industry and resource development to flourish in the North, but that can't happen in communities where power plants and waste management systems are 40 years old and already functioning well beyond capacity, if and when they function at all. The dump at Baker Lake was singled out by an inspector as needing to refuse to take any more waste from exploration and mining camps until the current state of its hazardous waste area is dealt with. Indian and Northern Affairs should consider investing in basic community infrastructure as economic development surges, otherwise future cleanup costs will spiral exponentially and it's likely the feds would wind up paying for that.
Foster families needed Nunavut News/North - Monday, February 21, 2011 There were 288 children in foster care in Nunavut the week of Jan. 21 and many more foster homes are needed, according to the Department of Health and Social Services. Homes are most needed in Iqaluit, and in the other regional centres such as Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet. In the south Baffin region, they are most in need of placements for children under the age of five. The situation is so desperate, the department got $89,000 from Health Canada for a marketing campaign to recruit more foster families in the territory. The more homes that are available, the better the department will be able to match children to an environment that meets their unique needs. There's no question that becoming a foster parent is a daunting challenge. The financial part of the burden is lessened by the per diems paid by the department but otherwise it is essentially a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week volunteer position. It takes a special person committed to giving kids their best start in life to step up to the plate - and the department must see to it that they are completely fit for the task - so the more people who volunteer, the better.
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