We want an inquiry into infant deaths: Igloolik

Louis Tapardjuk, MLA for Amittuq, shown here March 8 outside the legislative chamber, wants to know if there will be a public inquiry into the recent deaths of two babies in Igloolik. (PHOTO BY JANE GEORGE)

The municipality of Igloolik wants an inquiry in the recent deaths of two babies in the community, Louis Tapardjuk, the MLA for Amittuq, said March 8 in the Nunavut legislature.

On March 3, even before a medical expert from the South suggested that an inquiry should be held, Mayor Lucasi Ivalu wrote to Nunavut health minister Tagak Curley asking for inquiry in the babies’ deaths from undisclosed causes.

“Council recommends that some type of inquiry be held to investigate the nature of the illness affecting the young infants, to ensure proper diagnosis and procedures are followed, to minimize similar circumstances from occurring in the future,” reads the letter, which was obtained by Nunatsiaq News.

“Council considers your attention to this very important matter a priority in order to maintain confidence in the health care system.”

During question period, Tapardjuk asked Curley if he would call a public inquiry into the deaths of two babies in Igloolik.

Curley said he couldn’t say anything because first the “parents have to be informed” about the coroner’s reports on the deaths.

“We cannot speak about these issues in the House,” Curley said.

Tapardjuk asked Curley if he had a response to the March 3 letter from the mayor of Igloolik.

Curley said it was “the first time” he had heard of such a letter, but promised to deal with the issue.

During a break in the legislature proceedings, Tapardjuk told Nunatsiaq News that many in his riding and in neighbouring communities are worried about the health of their children and the level of illness.

If a public inquiry would be warranted in the South following the deaths of two babies over a short period of time, Tapardjuk said there’s no reason that Igloolik shouldn’t see a similar investigation into the circumstances around the deaths there.

“Is it our isolation that means we don’t have the same rights as in the South,” he asked.