IQALUIT
The practice of the Government of Nunavut holding a mid-term leadership review continues with the fourth assembly. The review was scheduled for Nov. 7.

All members of the legislative assembly are given the opportunity to vote for changes in cabinet. Normally, MLAs hear statements made by the premier and each cabinet minister on what they have accomplished over the first two years of their terms.

MLAS can then ask questions of the premier and his ministers must answer.

The GN had earlier indicated a new minister of Community and Government Services might be appointed during the leadership review.

When Rankin Inlet North and Chesterfield Inlet MLA Tom Sammurtok was stripped of his file by Taptuna April 14 after being charged with driving under the influence, Minister of Environment Johnny Mike took over the portfolio.

Premier travelling to Paris

Premier Peter Taptuna will be attending the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Paris in December.

"The prime minister, as well as 10 of my colleague premiers, is scheduled to be part of Canada's delegation. Minister Mike will also be representing Nunavut with me at this important meeting," said Taptuna Nov. 4.

"My colleagues and I will be involved in discussions and decisions that will help the world reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases and control the rise in worldwide temperatures."

Taptuna referenced how the Arctic is vulnerable to climate change.

"It is imperative that Nunavut have a voice at the conference.

It gives us the opportunity to participate in discussions on how the Arctic and the rest of the world are being affected by climate change."

Taptuna also noted he would take the opportunity to discuss how vulnerable communities can be assisted in adapting to these changes.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau changed the name of Environment Canada when he appointed Catherine McKenna to the file Nov. 4. The new department is now called Environment and Climate Change

Mental Health Act being updated

Health Minister Paul Okalik updated his colleagues on progress in his department's review of the territory's Mental Health Act last week.

"Our act was inherited from the NWT and dates back to 1988," said Okalik. "As part of the Mental Health Act review, Department of Health staff will travel across the territory to hear from Nunavummiut on ways to modernize the act, reflecting Inuit societal values and the unique challenges of addressing mental illness in Nunavut communities."

The Mental Health Act came under fire at the inquest into the high rate of suicide in the territory when GN employees testified they were locked in to specific procedures due to the act.

Public meetings were being held in Kugluktuk, Cambridge Bay, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, Baker Lake, Pangnirtung, Iglulik, Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Iqaluit. Nunavummiut in all communities can offer their guidance through paper questionnaires available at hamlet offices.

"We encourage clients and families with mental health experience from all communities to participate, whether it be during the public consultations or paper questionnaires," said Okalik. "Responses may also be made by telehealth video conferencing."

Okalik said updating the act is "of great importance."

"Our updated Mental Health Act will be an important tool for ensuring treatment and healing to our residents."

Program teaches students safety

Citing the connection between child sexual abuse and suicide, Education Minister Paul Quassa explained the steps his department is taking to teach students how to be safe.

"All our elementary schools have Be Safe! kits that teachers can use to strengthen the personal safety components of the health curriculum in kindergarten to grade 4," said Quassa. "The Be Safe! kits are from the Red Cross. We are continuing our partnership with the Red Cross to train teachers to use the Be Safe! kit in all our elementary schools."

Quassa said that Kimmirut received Be Safe! training in May as a whole community experience and is an example of total community involvement.

"They held radio shows, a parent night, and training in how to use the kits that lasted over a week. All children in kindergarten to Grade 4 received the program."

The community of Naujaat is on its third cycle of implementing the program and there is strong support in the community for the training, he said. Tusarvik School has been using the kits with all elementary grade levels.

"Sam Pudlat School in Cape Dorset is also using the kit and reported that it is well received by the community."

Quassa said his department is committed to continuing the training of staff in the use of the program kits and in supporting them to use the kits with their students.

"We know that teaching personal safety skills to students is a life-enhancing investment."

Elders strategy update due next fall

In response to a question from Gjoa Haven MLA Tony Akoak, Culture and Heritage Minister George Kuksuk told the legislative assembly that an updated Elders Program Strategy would only be ready to table at the next fall sitting in 2016.

Kuksuk said this was due to capacity issues within the department, specifically in the elders and youth division.

"The division worked on changes to the youth strategy this past year, including holding regional youth workshops, delivery of the on-land program and the production of Inuit Kinship," said Kuksuk. "The elders strategy will be the focus of the division during the next year, including holding regional workshops."

As part of the 2010-2014 Elders Strategy, Kuksuk said regional gatherings of community elders committees worked together to focus on four key areas - empowering elders, promoting respect for elders, passing on traditional knowledge, and creating healthy lives and families.

Kuksuk added his department will work with regional elders committees to identify objectives that the Government of Nunavut and communities will need to work on that will improve the lives of elders and strengthen communities.

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