Praise and criticism for social workers

From Arviat MLA David Alagalak’s perspective, social workers in his community are hard to find and nearly impossible to freely consult in the nursing station where they work.

“They are to counsel the individual confidentially and because it’s a public place, they can’t even disclose their feelings any more,” Alagalak said last week in the legislature.

Alagalak said many in Arviat go to their church instead for counseling.

Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq said it was the first time she had heard of any problems with social workers in Arviat. She said her department is examining the roles of each social worker in each community and the type of work that each social worker is carrying out.

Later last week, Aglukkaq devoted a minister’s statement to “National Social Work Week,” which is being observed in Nunavut from March 19 to 25.

“I feel that we should not wait for a special week to come along once a year to take the time to reflect on the contributions that social workers and, in fact, all of our social services and health staff make to the quality and safety of the lives of Nunavummiut. Our community, regional and territorial staff are compassionate, caring, skilled and committed to their work to support people who need help,” Aglukkaq said.

Aglukkaq said social workers are “hurt and demoralized” when media convey “mean-spirited, broad attacks that feel aimed at each and every one of them.”

She said the criticism has more to do with the size of the budget than other factors.

“As minister I expect to be held to account for the Department of Health and Social Service’s budget, rules and policies. I, in turn, expect each and every one of our front-line and professional staff to be held to account for the quality of their work.”

Aglukkaq urged all Nunavummiut to “end the negativity.”