SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Asked in the legislative assembly about the government's efforts to reduce bullying, Finance Minister Keith Peterson urged public servants facing bullying at work to not let issues fester.

"If you have an issue, talk to either the union, talk to your manager, talk to another deputy and bring your concerns forward," Peterson said in response to questions from Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA Pat Angnakak on Feb. 22, which was also Pink Shirt Day which promotes anti-bullying efforts.

The minister added that anonymous letters outlining the problems don't help.

Angnakak asked how the government would respond to a motion calling for establishment of an independent public service commission.

"I do know there was a motion," Peterson said. "It was a non-binding motion. Ms. Angnakak knows that we don't have enough time in this government to move forward with the legislative agenda. I don't even know if this is a lot or a little work for Nunavut, or if we can tinker some more with our (human resources) department."

He said the department has an associate deputy minister with a primary focus on human resources and is reviewing some policies.

"I think it's a really good step in the right direction and I'm happy that after all of our pushing on this side of the house, it has made some of those developments happen and that's satisfying to hear," Angnakak said.

Tune changes on hospital board

The health minister said last week the government won't follow a motion by MLAs passed three years ago to create an independent board to govern the Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit.

Instead, an internal advisory committee will be formed, minister George Hickes told Iqaluit-Niaqunnguu MLA Pat Angnakak when she asked for an update on a delayed report examining the creation of an independent oversight board.

Hickes, who as an MLA in 2014 seconded the motion calling for an examination of an independent board, said the government plans a different approach. It would move the governance of the hospital effectively outside the health department.

An advisory board could "develop capacity within that specific sector to provide and develop expertise so that we can move forward at some date down the road, at a later date, and actually entail a full board of directors."

Hickes said bylaws for the board are being drafted and advertising to fill positions is expected to go out in April.

"I am very disappointed to hear that," Angnakak said, adding the motion specifically called for a board of management with an intention of creating a separation between the department and the hospital to have more accountability.

Angnakak, who has called on the change for years, has said it would allow the hospital to deal with hiring and capital purchases without having to wait for the government. It would also allow it to fundraise.

Angnakak called on Hickes to provide the information that led to the change in direction.

The minister said the information could be collected and a meeting held to provide it to Angnakak, though it's not clear if the information would then become public.

Rankin mental health options explored

Health Minister George Hickes said the Department of Health is "exploring many different options" for building a new mental health facility in Rankin Inlet.

Hickes was asked about the issue by Rankin Inlet South MLA Alexander Sammurtok on Feb. 21.

The government had plans to convert a children's group home in Rankin Inlet to a mental health facility, but Sammurtok said he's been told the cost was too high, so that plan is no longer going ahead.

Hickes said other options are being examined and that he raised the issue of mental health facilities with federal health minister Jane Philpott when she was in Nunavut earlier this month.

"I can assure the member that there are numerous discussions ongoing," Hickes said to Sammurtok. "It's a very high priority of this government to bring mental health services to be able to stay within the territory."

We welcome your opinions. Click here to e-mail a letter to the editor.