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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
South Baffin MLA Fred Schell says Cape Dorset needs an update on when its sewage lagoon will finally be operational.

The sewage lagoon was built six years ago, but still needs some work done before it can be opened.

"The issue of territorial compliance with water licensing requirements in respect to waste water treatment has been a major issue in a number of communities," said Schell. "Information concerning Cape Dorset's project indicates that the new sewage lagoon will enable the municipality to treat sufficient volumes of waste water to enable it to meet the requirements of its water licence."

Community and Government Services Minister Lorne Kusugak could not give an exact date for when the lagoon would start operations, but said the department has been keeping the community informed as work progresses on the lagoon.

Training questions

Unilingual school counsellors, also called school community counsellors, should be getting training in their language of choice, said Premier Eva Aariak.

The first session of the Ilinniarvimmi Inuusilirijiit training program stated in October 2012. Over three years, 11 courses will be taught over eight sessions. It's a requirement for school counsellors to go through the program.

Tununiq MLA Joe Enook said last year there were counsellors who wanted the training but there was no room for them in the program. At the time, Aariak said the issue would be dealt with for 2013-2014.

"They wanted to participate but there was no room," said Enook.

"It has now been six months since this has been planned. For those unilingual school counsellors, are there any guidelines or training that they can take within their school?" asked Enook.

Aariak said counsellors had the option to take the course in a language of their choice, but committed to looking into it again and providing an update.

End of an era

Akulliq MLA John Ningark has announced he will not seek re-election in October.

Ningark was elected in 2009. He also served as an MLA for the NWT from 1989 through until 1999.

"Before the last territorial election, some asked me, 'We thought you weren't running again,'" said Ningark. "This time, when someone asks me that same question, I'll say, 'My wife has endorsed my decision not to run.'"

Ningark said he would be stepping aside in the fall to give someone younger and more energetic a chance.

"I had a good many years doing that," he said.

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