Nunavik health workers say breakwaters drain health funds

GREG YOUNGER-LEWIS

Nunavik health care workers have joined forces to denounce the multi-million-dollar breakwater projects spearheaded by the Makivik Corporation, saying that the money would be better spent on housing and mental health services.

In the petition, dozens of doctors, nurses and other health care workers in villages along Hudson Bay accuse the provincial government of abandoning its promise last year to make mental health services in Nunavik into a top priority.

But the head of the Inuulitisivik health centre in Puvirnituq said the petition supporters belong “on another planet” for thinking the provincial government will fulfill their commitments within a year.

He also criticized the petitioners, saying they should be grateful for the improved marine infrastructure, which Makivik and the Kativik Regional Government negotiated over the past three decades.

The petition, signed by the leaders and dozens of members of Nunavik’s main three health care unions, attacks the government for putting $44 million aside for a four-year marine infrastructure project that will put a brand-new, or repaired breakwater in all 14 communities in Nunavik.

Provincial Health and Social Services Minister Philippe Couillard, who received the petition last month, has yet to reply.

“Last year, Mr. Couillard said he would make the mental health of Nunavik into a national priority,” said Philippe Jodouin, a child psychologist based in Puvirnituq. “One year later, nothing’s been done, and we’ve seen nothing change.

“In other words, the minister didn’t keep his promise.”

Jodouin and other union activists estimate the $44 million spent by the provincial government could have built hundreds of housing units through the region. They also suggest the Hudson Bay communities would be better served, if the same amount of money went into upgrading hospital services, and expanding the Inuulitisivik health centre in Puvirnituq.

“How can you build something made of rocks to protect motorboats for millions of dollars when there’s not enough housing?” Jodouin asked. “It’s inhuman.”

George Berthe, Makivik’s corporate secretary, agreed health should be made a priority in Nunavik, but defended his organization’s decision to push for funding for the project.

“We’re doing exactly what the people ask us to do,” he said. “We follow our mandate.”

The head of the Hudson Coast’s main health centre agrees. Eli Weetaluktuk, director-general of the Inuulitisivik health centre, said communities throughout Nunavik are happy to finally receive protection for their motorboats, which cost about $30,000 each.

Weetaluktuk added that the two issues of marine infrastructure and health care needs are not related. He said the petitioners are out of touch with how bureaucracy works in Nunavik.

Two breakwaters will be constructed this year, in Puvirnituq and Aupaluk. The marine infrastructure project has already built or refurbished eight breakwaters, and will build four more in Inukjuak, Tasiujaq, Kuujjuarapik, and Akulivik over the next two years.

Makivik officials say the project, part of the billion-dollar Sanarrutik agreement signed with the provincial government in 2002, will also build launching ramps and wharfs large enough to accommodate sea-lift ships.

The federal government is matching the provincial contribution, bringing the breakwater budget to $88 million.