NTI did respond to Ayalik

In your article on Feb. 6, 2004, “Adjudicator will rule on one-man rights crusade,” Robert Ayalik is reported as being “very disappointed that no one from NTI responded to his complaints about either the Rankin Inlet health conference, or the manner of his departure from the GN.”

For the record, NTI did respond to Mr. Ayalik’s request. Since the NTI president was away at the time, her executive assistant, Caroline Anawak, had two telephone conversations with Mr. Ayalik to discuss the issue and NTI’s position.

After discussion with the CEO, Ms. Anawak explained to Mr. Ayalik that, while NTI is actively engaged in a working group with the Government of Nunavut on the issue of increasing Inuit employment in government (Article 23 of the land claims agreement), it does not involve itself in individual workplace complaints.

In this case, there already exist clear processes and proper authorities mandated to investigate complaints and represent individuals – including the NEU, the Fair Practices Officer, and public and private legal representation.

All of this was conveyed to Mr. Ayalik personally on the phone. Finally, at Mr. Ayalik’s request, NTI arranged for the translation into Inuktitut of his complaint, and this was faxed to him so he could distribute it to others.

Richard Paton
Chief Operating Officer
Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.