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KINNGAIT/CAPE DORSET
A former Cape Dorset resident is alleging nepotism prevented him from getting a fair chance at obtaining a job at the hamlet more than six years ago.

Peter Petaulassie alleged, during a public hearing of the Nunavut Human Rights Tribunal on Dec. 5 in Iqaluit, the Hamlet of Cape Dorset discriminated against him on the basis of family status when he applied for an arena manager and recreation co-ordinator position in 2005.

During the approximately two-hour hearing, Petaulassie testified he applied for the hamlet position in April 2005 after seeing an advertisement in the community.

The arena manager and recreation co-ordinator position entailed responsibility for the ice-resurfacing machine, janitorial duties and supervision of arena users, the tribunal heard.

The hamlet received three applications - one from Petaulassie, one from another Cape Dorset resident and the third from the son-in-law of the recreation co-ordinator at the time. The latter applicant eventually got the job.

"I felt discouraged for a while," said Petaulassie in his testimony. "It made me sick to my stomach. I was trying to get a job in my home community."

When tribunal adjudicator Bonnie Almon asked him to describe "sick to my stomach," he answered: "I felt qualified for the job. From what I knew, it was a family member who got employed. I knew it was morally wrong."

Petaulassie testified he wrote to legal aid in Iqaluit because he believed his rights were violated and he was disappointed that he, an Inuit born and raised in the community, was not hired. He said the successful applicant had only moved to the community two months prior to the alleged events.

During cross-examination, lawyer Sylvie Molgat, representing the hamlet, said she appreciated it had been a long process. Petaulassie admitted his recollection was difficult due to the passage of time. He further testified he left his legal aid services job in 2004 and was trying to get a job at the hamlet.

Petaulassie was unemployed when he applied for the arena manager and recreation co-ordinator position.

Mark Mossey, a legal aid lawyer representing Petaulassie, told the tribunal his client is seeking one-third of the posted position's salary as compensation, representing close to $11,000, and the Northern allowance.

During closing arguments, Mossey stated hiring the successful applicant doesn't pass the smell test and is nepotism.

Mossey further stated Petaulassie didn't come to the tribunal saying he should have been hired, rather he came saying he should have received an equal chance at obtaining it.

"We think we have a strong case," Mossey said following the hearing.

Almon said a decision was expected within 30 days.

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