Nunavut teachers’ union accepts premier’s apology
“My choice of words could have been better, in these times here where everyone’s a bit on edge”
Reading from a prepared text, Nunavut Premier Joe Savikataaq apologized during a news conference on Wednesday, May 6, for his earlier comments about teachers in the territory. (File photo)
Nunavut Teachers’ Association President John Fanjoy says he welcomed the apology that Premier Joe Savikataaq made to teachers yesterday during the Government of Nunavut’s news conference on the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I thank the premier for clarifying, and apologizing, for his comments concerning teachers at the May 4 news conference,” Fanjoy told Nunatsiaq News.
“Teachers must be valued, and our concerns must be heard and acted on by our government.”
On Monday, when asked whether he was worried that Nunavut might lack teachers for next year, Savikataaq had said the Department of Education is always looking out for new teachers and suggested that if Nunavut’s current teachers left the territory, maybe unemployed teachers from Ontario “would want to come work in Nunavut.”
But, on Wednesday, May 6, Savikataaq told Nunavut’s teachers that he was sorry for what he had said.
Speaking first in Inuktitut, Savikataaq said “mammianaq,” I am sorry, more than once, for making those comments about Nunavut teachers.
Then, in English, Savikataaq went on to describe his words as “careless and dismissive,” and part of a “reactionary and inappropriate response.”
“My comments at that time were not to be disrespectful or negative. It’s just how it came out, I guess. We do value our teachers and we have a recruitment and retention problem in Nunavut,” Savikataaq said.
“It’s stressful teaching in Nunavut,” he told them. “You’re taken from where your comfort zone is and you work here, and I applaud that decision. ”
Savikataaq said that he knows Nunavut needs its teachers, that they’re dedicated and that they do care about their students.
“And like I said, I’m sorry. My choice of words could have been better. In these times here where everyone’s a bit on edge, everyone’s in uncertain times, I understand how they could be taken out of context and I’m sorry,” Savikataaq said.
Fanjoy said the reaction from most teachers who contacted him about Savikataaq’s apology was “positive and appreciative,” but he said they still want to see action taken on what he described as “the worsening working conditions in our schools” and “the retention and recruitment crisis” in Nunavut education.
“Teachers that leave will not be doing so simply because of COVID-19,” Fanjoy said. “As teachers and school administrators, we are frustrated that working conditions have gotten worse in the past 10 years.”
Fanjoy repeated his call for more supports for students with specific learning needs.
And he said the NTA wants violence in the schools to be taken seriously and fixed.
As well, he said the union wants language allowances for bilingualism, reassessment of salaries and extra-duty pay for teachers to be processed “in a timely manner.”
Fanjoy said he also wanted to thank Nunavut’s chief public health officer, Dr. Michael Patterson, Finance Minister George Hicks, Savikataaq and their teams for the work they have done in protecting Nunavut during the COVID-19 pandemic, where there is still no confirmed case of COVID-19.
“This is a unique and hard time period for all Nunavummiut,” Fanjoy said on behalf of the NTA’s roughly 700 members. “We stand in solidarity with all residents of Nunavut in these difficult times.”
The union does not speak for everyone.
Premier Joe, i do not believe your apology. You did not mean it. Your gut reaction is that teachers are replacable cogs, and paying for new teachers makes more sense than retaining the ones that are here. Let me remind you how teachers are part of your constituency, teachers teach citizenship, including how to vote, we don’t teach what to vote, but perhaps in Arviat they should. I am guessing your childern noticed your lack of support for education, and that your communtiy understands that for you being a polititican is more important than following the IQ principles, which started in Arviat. My mom would be ashamed of you and she doesnt even know you.
I know in this time of such trauma, where we are struggling to feel valued in the schools, producing packages for the landfill sites. Premier Joe your words were very honest and true. We get it. We heard you. We have no support, no dept people to help teachers with material for their jobs, absolutley no family support to keep kids learning. No acknowledgement that we as teachers have human families too. Even the comment that going out to do a sealift was not justification to leave is absurd. Who does that that does not also go hug their mother, or hold new grandchildren or get school supplies! The sealift is irrelevant and not the point of anyone paying the money we pay to travel south.
My only consolation is that maybe you also do not understand your job very well, and that maybe you need to go back to school to figure it out. I can only hope that somehow years ago when you were in school, governance and electoral support were not in the text book. Come to my class, i might have a bit to say that I can then apologize for and keep my job.
Joe said what everyone else is thinking. There is record jobless numbers in the south, and while the entitled teachers here in Nunavut think they are the “saviours” of the territory, Joe reminded you that everyone is replaceable! In all levels of Government. Covid-19 sucks for everyone! Not just teachers, but overall Nunavut and Nunavut teachers have it pretty good. The majority of people in Nunavut are still getting paid for work (if they are at home working or not) and social assistance is still being processed. So get off your high horse, teachers have a pay check and housing. They are doing better then most people in the south right now.
Record jobless numbers in the South doesn’t mean that teachers are just going to flock to Nunavut. If anything, the uncertainty of food and the lack of quality healthcare will keep more teachers away during a pandemic. If joe was actually thinking, he would know not to say anything that would further deteriorate the already insufficient amount of teachers which will be coming to live in Nunavut during pandemic conditions. His comments will cost Nunavummiat students and communites some good teachers.
Timmy if you are unemployed the lack of benefits, and ability to purchase food in a food secure place for your family, is more troubling then working in a place with food insecurity. I would also argue that Nunavut has very good health care compared to southern counterparts as we are seen much faster, and often referred quicker to other provinces for experts. Average wait time is 3 years for hip replacements in Ontario yet Nunavut residents get sent to Ontario for these procedures in most cases less than 1 year. I don’t think Joes comments would cost Nunavut teachers, I believe its the negativity and complaining of the current teachers and union that detracts teachers from coming to Nunavut. I am not saying teaching here is easy, however during covid-19 you have a pay cheque, you have housing, and food and supplies are still available in the stores. Compared to being in the south right now, I would say we have it very good in Nunavut.
I loved that this conversation has gone to hip replacements to avoid the issue of the value of education in Nunavut. You are right, we are very well off as teachers in Nunavut, totally loved and supported, small class room sizes and complete validation and joy with the every paycheque that we can use to prepare for our hip replacement. In fact, i am shocked that so many ntep trained teachers are leaving, that the turnover rate is so large and the ungrateful teachers who stay do not more appreciate the access to hip replacements they can receive by not living in Ontario. Focus buddy, the issue at hand is that the premier was rude, but his honest reflection of his personal beliefs is reflected in his administration and should make any respect orientated elder very very sad. Well, at least until they can get their hip replacement.
I did not find Premier Savikataaq’s original statements to be highly objectionable. A bit off to be sure. And, I thought that his apology was a nice touch. It is a good thing that the leader of our territory and classrooms respect each other and can work together.
What I do find interesting is you referring to him as uneducated and “Premier Joe”. Perhaps he is not the only person that ought to be apologizing.
There have been plenty, plenty of more inflammatory and disrespectful things that have been said (and done) by Premiers across Canada regarding teachers and against teachers unions. Think Premier Ford and Kenney. If you think that you are going to be better appreciated at the Premier’s office in another province, you are sadly deluded. These negative things have come from Premiers of varied educational backgrounds and levels of experience.
We should be grateful at least divisive party politics do not enter the fray up here. There will always be an understandable tension that exists between a permanent population and a largely imported workforce or professional class until these roles are assumed by more residents.
I think Premier Savikataaq understands his job quite well. His job is not to be a lapdog for the public service. We have had more than enough of that here in Nunavut, and look at where it got us.
The assumptions you make are interesting and speak to a big problem of how misunderstandings are reflected by the lack of critical reflection. Firstly, premier joe was not suggested as being uneducated, it was suggested that he has a “lack of support for education” that was passed on to his children. Are you assuming he himself is uneducated? Maybe that would explain things, but the statement does not say that. Secondly, i think in these times, his job should be trying to make this hugely challenging time work. Lastly, you assumed that teachers are not a residents and again, i detect some interesting and politically incorrect beliefs that you are over generalizing to make. Perhaps you can join Premier Joe by returning to an Aula class to better understand the role IQ principles can have in creating positive critical change. Ultimately, this is all of our yard to make safe and healthy for everyone in it. the responsibility to do so is not dictated by the colour of your skin, or the years of education behind your name, its all about respect.
Most definitely: the union does not speak for everyone. It was not necessary for the union to accept an “apology’ publicly (or even at all). It’s not up to the union to smooth things over.
I do not believe or accept this apology. You have revealed your true beliefs and feelings about educators Mr. Premier. Your attitude and comments were egregious.