Cabinet's $4.5-million parting giftNorthwest Territories/News North - Monday, November 30, 2015
With all the excitement of the territorial election, it might be easy to forget about the $4.5 million in spending the 17th assembly's cabinet approved in the 11th hour of its own existence.
A mere three days before voters were to cast ballots on a new government, cabinet, which had all but completely dissolved, decided to acquire the mineral rights to an area rich in tungsten called the Mactung property just over the NWT border in the Yukon.
The reason for the purchase is complicated. Essentially, North American Tungsten Corporation Limited (NATCL) is going through the court process of declaring bankruptcy. Part of this process has been the abandonment of its Cantung tungsten mine, located in the Deh Cho. Since nobody wants to buy the mine, it will become a remediation project. Now, it should be the GNWT's responsibility to pay for this remediation after devolution but there is a clause in the devolution agreement which gives the GNWT a five-year transitional period where it can revert this responsibility back to the feds.
To help Ottawa pay for remediation, the territorial government must also hand over any collateral (cash or securities) it has collected from NATCL to ensure proper cleanup of Cantung. Here lies the catch: the GNWT is also mandated to pursue all "reasonable" ways to maximize the value of these securities before handing them over.
So how does the Mactung property fall in to this? It was posted as a security against the Cantung mine's water licence. Because both the federal government and the GNWT were disappointed in the bids received on the property, the GNWT decided a reasonable way to maximize the value of this security was to pay $4.5 million for it now in the hopes the price of tungsten will rebound so it can be sold for more, later.
Of course, the GNWT's definition of reasonable might differ from the public's. Is it reasonable, for example, for cabinet to invoke an emergency tool to approve spending on a mineral stake after the 17th assembly's mandate is over? Is it reasonable for the territorial government to use this emergency tool to do something unprecedented in its own history? Is it reasonable for the territorial government to use taxpayers' money to take a risk on a volatile commodity? Is it reasonable for the government to approve millions in spending without public debate?
We say multi-million-dollar purchases, barring an emergency of life and limb that would require it, are not acceptable at the close of an election campaign.
When voters went to the polls on Nov. 23, they unseated two ministers and six regular members. While they likely didn't have Mactung on their minds when they voted for change, there is no doubt that when the government does things like this it only serves to erode the public's trust.
Now that the 18th assembly has been saddled with a housewarming gift of tungsten, the new members have an opportunity to take this as their first lesson in the value of transparent governance.
Pivotal moment for language in educationNunavut/News North - Monday, November 30, 2015
No one said it was going to be easy.
For the Government of Nunavut to achieve its ambitious goal of delivering bilingual English and Inuktut school education in one of the Inuktut languages requires greater effort than expected.
There are numerous barriers to making that dream a reality. There is a shortage of bilingual teachers who are able to instruct in both English and Inuktut languages. There are some courses which do not lend themselves well to being taught in an Inuktut language. And a majority of school-aged children speak English in the hallways and playgrounds, although many of them speak and respond to an Inuktut language at home.
Now there are recommendations from the Special Committee to Review the Education Act that are suggesting that a single language of instruction model be adopted.
Nunavut Language Commissioner Sandra Inutiq's initial assessment is that a person reading the report is required to interpret its meaning by reading between the lines, so to speak.
On one hand the report quotes the Inuit Language Protection Act, which prescribes that Inuktut-language education is a right in Nunavut.
On the other hand, the report quotes the requirements of the Education Act and Hickes stated that "the special committee wishes to emphasize that the delivery of an education system is too important to be driven primarily by the political idealism."
There are those who see the report as setting the groundwork for further degradation of Inuit culture and language if politicians accept that the education system should move toward English-only instruction.
We see similarities to past struggles by francophones to protect the French language and culture. Of course, the French language is flourishing in Canada and is protected by legislation. Languages are also protected by legislation in Nunavut and the government has a commitment to provide for their ongoing use.
Realistically, students can receive instruction in both languages, particularly if bilingual instruction starts at an early age.
As time goes on, events force the language to evolve, in oral and written form. Through natural progression, one or two dialects within the Inuktut family of languages will become dominant and decisions will be made -- as have already been proposed -- to standardize a written system, which seems to be leaning toward Roman orthography over syllabics.
Ultimately, it is the users of the language who should have the greatest ability to decide its future. That's why we're encouraging all those interested -- not just organizations representing Inuit -- to let their feelings be known before the politicians consider the matter again.
At the end of the day, everyone wants to see school children learn, achieve and advance through the grades until they graduate with the ability to either get a job or further their education at a higher level.
Out of the frying pan and into the Arctic Weekend Yellowknifer - Friday, November 27, 2015
Many prominent figures in Yellowknife, including a number of city councillors, have stood up recently and expressed their support for the Syrian refugee initiative, saying the welcome wagon should not stop at the 60th parallel.
It's not just about having big hearts, so goes the present narrative, but putting together a project that would help boost the territory's stagnant population.
These are laudable gestures. What's lacking to date are concrete plans on how to accommodate them, especially in a place already struggling with housing shortages and homelessness.
For starters, bringing in 2,000 people, as some have suggested as a means of reaching the territorial government's population growth goal by 2019, is simply not realistic. The territory simply doesn't have enough housing - or jobs to support them.
With mines slowing production and the majority of available jobs in government, what opportunities will be available for these newcomers? Funding for English-language classes and workplace training would be required. None of this would be ready to meet the federal government's February deadline.
Typically in instances of humanitarian aid a non-profit organization such as the YMCA or Red Cross, comes forward to provide shelter, food and health-care services to incoming refugee families. As a jurisdiction, Yellowknife is mostly without these type of supports. Would the Salvation Army, Tree of Peace Friendship Centre or Aurora College open their doors to accept newcomers or would our already over-booked hotels provide rooms?
Without a proper plan in place, these refugees will become more of a burden than an asset, even with their $35,000 ticket value toward federal per capita funding to the GNWT. While growing in diversity, Yellowknife lacks the type of cultural variety offered in larger centres such as Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto. Even if it were to extend an invitation to refugees, how many would accept?
In reality, can Yellowknife absorb more than a couple dozen to start? That's a more realistic figure for a city our size. Given time, as these former refugees become more capable and established, they themselves will be able to support more family members to come, and thus their population will grow over time as other refugee groups have before them.
Much of the talk around the issue has involved security concerns while all other considerations are seemingly forgotten. If Yellowknife wants to position itself as a welcoming spot for refugees, steps need to be taken to ensure there is shelter, jobs and social support for them when they get here.
The last thing the city or the refugees themselves need is 2,000 people standing on the tarmac in February saying, "now what?"
No money to shareDeh Cho Drum - Thursday, November 26, 2015
For quite some time now, Fort Simpson's village council has operated with the stipulation that it only provides gifts to two initiatives per year: Christmas hampers in December and graduation gifts for TSS students in the summer.
There are no line items in place in the budget to provide money to other initiatives, such as requests for donations from nonprofit community groups.
When residents plan sports tournaments or fundraisers, the message the village has sent is loud and clear: 'Don't come to us asking for money.'
On Nov. 16, the tune changed slightly.
A Movember donation request had council considering -- and ultimately agreeing to -- donating a physical item to be auctioned off at an event.
SAO Beth Jumbo said the village has done this before.
But while some may argue there is a fine line between donating an item and donating money, the fact of the matter is that line simply does not exist.
A village asset is still being given away for a good cause.
The item donation came on the heels of councillors refusing a request from former mayor Sean Whelly to have public works staff currently replacing curb stops throughout the village dig a little further and unearth a frozen water line to Allen Bonnetrouge's house.
Over the past month, community members and businesses have rallied together in a mighty effort to fix up Bonnetrouge's house. Bonnetrouge is well-known for providing shelter and hot meal to those who have nowhere else to go. However, his water line has been frozen for years, meaning his house has no running water.
As residents are responsible for assuming costs associated with frozen lines, the village ultimately refused to unearth the line -- stating it would set a precedent.
They then went ahead and set that very precedent by agreeing to donate an item to a fundraiser.
Arguably, Whelly was not asking for a monetary donation but also for a physical item -- that is, a few hours of village workers' time.
Councillors have made it clear they will not allow exceptions to the no-funding rule. Community members in need are on their own.
No consideration is given to the situation of individual residents.
If the village is going to take an all-or-nothing approach, perhaps they should establish a small bit of money to be allocated to funding projects that meet certain criteria.
Or perhaps the village should simply make an exception when extraordinary circumstances call for it -- as they have done in the past with issues such as property tax relief -- and help out a community member in need.
Either way would be better than the arbitrary donation system they currently seem to employ.
Advantages of electing two incumbent MLAsInuvik Drum - Thursday, November 26, 2015
While much of the territory voted for change in the Nov. 23 election, Inuvik voters chose instead to stick with who they know.
Alfred Moses and Robert C. McLeod were both voted back in their electoral districts, beating out challengers Dez Loreen and Jimmy Kalinek, respectively. Neither race was anything that could be termed tight and voter turnout, by early accounts, was abysmal.
Incumbents generally do well when people don't get out to vote, but we suspect something else was at play here in Inuvik. People are clearly happy with their political representatives.
McLeod is a long-time fixture, having already served three terms in the legislative assembly. Moses is known as a popular and active member after his first term in office.
While Inuvik continues to struggle with issues ranging from gas prices to treatment for those suffering from mental health problems, the blame for stagnation doesn't seem to have fallen on the two men representing the community in Yellowknife.
Both say they have worked hard to bring the needs of the community forward and both have committed to putting their names forward to be cabinet ministers.
While of course it would be a coup in some ways for Inuvik to have two sitting cabinet ministers as MLAs, there is also value in having representatives standing outside cabinet, better able to criticize and hold executive council accountable. For instance, outgoing Minister Dave Ramsay served as a popular MLA, known for critiquing cabinet before he joined it, and lost his seat this time around.
It's certainly a tough balance between getting things done and making sure to hold those above them responsible and accountable, but that's exactly what Moses and McLeod were elected to do, once again.
While both Loreen and Kalinek expressed their disappointment in their losses, the parting message from the two challengers was that they hoped their experiences would encourage others to step forward.
That in itself is a happy outcome. All elections should be just that.
Acclamations are in many ways a failure of the democratic process. Kalinek put it best this week when he said everyone deserves a choice, so we thank all the candidates for stepping up to the plate and putting their names forward. The assault of questions and demands from both the media and the public at large that defines campaigning isn't an easy thing to handle.
For those who won, we hope that bombardment doesn't end here. It's so important to stay involved in the process of government when it is actually going about its business and not only when something as exciting and flashy as an election is on.
Power of changeYellowknifer - Wednesday, November 25, 2015
The winds of change are coming from Monday's territorial election, hopefully strong enough to blow off a few hats.
A fresh emphasis on social and environmental issues comes with Julie Green, Caroline Cochrane-Johnson and Kevin O'Reilly.
Kieron Testart appears to offer up some new ideas, like attaching price tags to government initiatives, while Cory Vanthuyne seems to favour the middle road of fiscal management in tackling land claims, and social and environmental regulation.
Glenn Abernethy is back, as is Bob McLeod, two cabinet veterans who can provide some reference point for the policy changes to come.
But will Yellowknifers see real change?
What about the new MLAs who campaigned on government transparency? Will their commitment fade as those elevated to cabinet clam up entirely?
Will new regular MLAs buy into the unwritten law that any information cabinet shares must be kept from the public unless permission is given?
This is the dark side of consensus government, an undemocratic, unparliamentary perversion that puts the manipulative practices of the bureaucracy ahead of the people's right to know, always a recipe for flawed governance.
The assembly's royal velvet curtains will be drawn in the election of a premier and a cabinet which should be public if we are to believe that consensus invites open votes. No rules prevent it.
We can only hope our new MLAs will hold onto the transparency values they so recently offered up to voters. They can start by asking questions about the new hospital.
What began as a renovation project with a budget somewhat larger than the $200-million Deh Cho Bridge, suddenly ballooned into a $350-million construction project. Why? Was the medical community consulted? Who made the decision? Did MLAs know when they gave the green light how much was it going to cost? What's wrong with the present hospital? How will such a huge health expenditure affect other health-care and social services programs?
With our resource industry on hold, how the GNWT spends its federal money will directly affect services. The last government had no qualms spending millions on political priorities like roads to Tuktoyuktuk and subsidizing power while launching junior kindergarten education programs with no money.
The power of change lies in the hands of our new MLAs. Will they use it?
Geoscience forum keeps lights onYellowknifer - Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Exploration may be in a slump but there is still plenty of interest in the territory's mineral resources judging by the high turnout at the annual Yellowknife Geoscience Forum.
Organizers say more than 750 people registered for the four-day event who are coming from all over the territory, Nunavut, the Yukon and even Ottawa and Vancouver. More than 125 presenters are discussing a variety of key topics this week, including diamonds, Northern petroleum and community engagement.
This is also an opportunity for city businesses to advertise their services if and when mining companies pursue a project here, with 95 of them setting up displays at the Multiplex arena. As well, there was a lecture at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre on the search for the Franklin Expedition and even Capitol Theatre served as a venue.
There is no doubt the forum is a major annual highlight for the city as a whole, for prospectors to businesses that provide everything from food and fuel delivery to medical services.
Markets go up and down all the time but the North's mineral riches will still be there. There is a literal wealth of resources and with so many experts eager to come to the city to trade information and ideas, it bodes well for the future of Yellowknife and the territory.
High interest in this forum shows the territory and city are still open for business and industry still considers Yellowknife the gateway to mining resources in the North as well as the home for many of the services future companies will need to use when conditions are right again.
A call to action in ArviatEditorial Comment by Darrell Greer
Kivalliq News - Wednesday, November 25, 2015
There are many things a person may have a valid excuse for, but, if we're being honest with ourselves, not ensuring your child attends school is not one of them!
It doesn't matter the colour of your skin, your culture, or the language you speak, ensuring your kids have access to a proper education should be a top priority to every parent with a school-aged child.
It's time to dump the hollow excuses.
John Arnalukjuak High School (JAHS) principal Judy Connor was right in her decision to deregister 42 students with an average attendance of 40 per cent or lower for the remainder of the fall semester earlier this month.
The time off will give the students, and their parents or guardians, time to think about what a good education means in today's world.
Hopefully, they will have a revelation between now and when the deregistered students will be allowed to reregister for classes in January.
I also give full marks to the JAHS students who were brave enough to ignore the Kivalliq taboo of speaking up and voicing their opinions by stating the move was a right one by principal Connor.
It isn't fair to students who attend school regularly, and who are trying their best to maintain a solid grade average, when their teacher's time is constantly taken from them so they can try and help low-attenders keep up with their class work.
Ditto, as well, to the Arviat District Education Authority (DEA) for having Connor's back and supporting the initiative.
All too often in the Kivalliq, DEA members are at odds with educators when it comes to the importance of academia, especially when it comes to cultural issues versus reading, writing and arithmetic.
But attending school regularly is not a cultural issue. It is a parenting issue.
Sporadically, we hear a number of Kivalliqmiut, who have the best interests of our region's youth at heart, point to good parenting as a precious key in allowing our children to grow up to be the best people they can be.
And doing everything you can to give your child a nurturing environment, including instilling an acceptance within them on the importance of education, is part and parcel of good parenting.
The Government of Nunavut has already cut 12.5 teaching positions in Arviat due to low attendance, and both JAHS staff and local DEA members have gone above and beyond the call of duty in trying to encourage better attendance from their community's youth.
So this can hardly be called a knee-jerk reaction by anyone.
Overall attendance in Arviat is nearing 10 per cent less than what is the norm in communities across Nunavut.
And, with less than 100 students combined attending Grade 11 and Grade 12 in the community, the time for excuses is long past.
Far from an attempt at burying other problems, deregistering students is, in many ways, a last-ditch effort in issuing the loudest of wake-up calls to a community.
A healthy community requires parents, teachers, students and administrators working together to create a healthy school environment.
And, when one link decides to not do its part, the chain falls apart.
JAHS has issued a call to action, but are the right people willing to listen?
