Amittuq MLA wants Iglulik elementary school mould addressed

Parents not sending kids to school because of it, says Amittuq MLA

By Trevor Wright Norhern News Services Iglulik

Amittuq MLA Joelie Kaernerk is wondering when the Government of Nunavut is going to fix the mould problem at Iglulik’s Ataguttaaluk Elementary School.

It was a problem he and others noticed when the federal government and Nunavut’s education minister visited the community in November last year to announce $10-a-day childcare for the territory.

“When we were in the community, the (elementary) school smelled like mould,” said Kaernerk, adding there are some parents in the community who are hesitant to send their kids to school because of it.

He asked whether or not it’s on the GN’s radar during a Feb. 27 session at the Nunavut legislature.

“We are looking into the situation with regards to the elementary school,” responded education minister Pamela Gross, saying the department is “aware of the issues at the school.”

She said she has received correspondence with the Iglulik district education authority about the problem, but added other schools throughout the territory also have needs.

Addressing the Iglulik elementary school’s mould problem isn’t currently in the capital process and may take some time due to others who are also waiting for funds.

“I wish there was enough money to ensure all the schools’ needs out there right now, but they do take time. But it will be on the list in the future,” said Gross.

“I don’t have a date as to when it will be (in the queue) but I can provide that when the information is available.”