Criminal record check did not bar daughter from nursing program

There was an article on Nunavut Arctic College (Nov. 4), where I was quoted as saying that my daughter could not make it to the nursing program due to a criminal record check.

My daughter is currently taking the Access to Health program at Nunavut Arctic College.

My presentation to the standing committee on Nunavut Arctic College was that I was shocked to find that criminal record checks were required. I mentioned that a lot of Inuit might have and do have criminal records, which are barriers.

A lot of Inuit do not realize that criminal records are permanent records that stay in the historic file of the individual and can have an effect on their future or future employment.

To them, it is gone and forgotten, but to the system, it stays as a constant reminder that such an event had taken place and now they are identified as criminals.

Now what does that have to do with education? Or trying to better your future? That was my point.

Cathy Towtongie
Rankin Inlet