Legislative Assembly briefs
Teaching careers encouraged
Michele LeTourneau
Northern News Services
Monday, March 21, 2016
IQALUIT
Education Minister Paul Quassa lauded Nunavut Arctic College's teacher education program in a statement March 15 during a session of the legislative assembly.
"With more than 510 graduates earning a degree in education, our graduates are uniquely positioned to make significant and lasting contributions to shaping the future of education for Nunavut," said Quassa. "Many of our NTEP graduates go on to teach in Nunavut schools while others contribute in areas related to language, culture and education in other ways."
The four-year program is offered in partnership with the University of Regina and "prepares Nunavummiut for exciting and rewarding careers as teachers and educators in schools across Nunavut."
"As one of our longest running, flagship programs, the Nunavut teacher education program has a long history of academic success and achievement," Quassa said, as he called out to Nunavummiut to consider a career in teaching.
"Teaching is a richly rewarding career and I would like to say that we need you. We need teachers who are prepared to work with us in delivering high-quality, bilingual education in our schools across Nunavut."
Stepping into the solar age
George Hickes, the minister responsible for Qulliq Energy Corporation (QEC), announced last week what he called a "milestone moment."
On March 2, QEC successfully installed 11 test solar panels at the Iqaluit power plant. The renewable energy generated from these solar panels is now integrated into Iqaluit's electricity grid and is now being distributed to assist with powering the city, said Hickes, adding the pilot project would lead Nunavut toward a renewable and sustainable energy future.
The pilot project was designed as a test system for a residential model, with each solar panel generating approximately three kilowatts of renewable energy.
"This is truly an exciting moment for Nunavut since previous renewable energy systems have never been connected to the electricity grid," said Hickes.
"A reliable electricity supply is a top priority for QEC. Therefore, the lessons learned from this initial renewable integration project will also provide valuable data on electricity grid stability when integrating a renewable energy source to the grid system."
Hickes called the pilot project "an important step forward for Nunavut, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering harmful carbon emissions by harnessing a locally managed renewable energy source."
Law program planned for 2017
Education Minister Paul Quassa was asked about the status of a law program at Nunavut Arctic College in 2017 by Iqaluit-Sinaa MLA Paul Okalik last week.
Saying "it is germane to our wishes to continue the law program," Quassa noted the process of choosing which southern institution will be involved is ongoing.
"We expect that this winter of 2016, that an institution will be selected. Furthermore, the evaluation committee is comprised of representatives from the (college), from the Department of Justice, as well as from the Department of Community and Government Services. The committee will evaluate the proposals."
Quassa said the Law Society of Nunavut is included in the choice.
"To date, there are two proposals. One from University of Victoria - if we recall, was part of the inaugural Akitsiraq Law Program courses. Furthermore, up to now the University of Ottawa has provided the only proposal for the RFP (request for proposals) for the continuation of the legal program, which we are planning."
Quassa said the hope is to begin the program in 2017 as planned, with 25 spots available.
