Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued a statement on Pink Shirt Day about how important it is for everyone to feel safe and accepted for who they are.
“By wearing pink, we promote safe environments, free from bullying and harassment, for everyone. It is a call to take a stand, and to speak up for equality and acceptance for everyone, especially our most vulnerable and marginalized residents,” she stated on Wednesday.
“Bullying can take many shapes, whether it is based on age, race, religion, gender, sexuality or physical differences. We know that in Canada and beyond, 2SLGBTQQIA+ youth face disproportionately high rates of bullying.
“Recognizing that all children can learn in a welcoming and safe environment is the foundation of inclusive schooling, an essential part of our education system for decades.”
In the Assembly, Range Lake MLA Kieron Testart went a bit further in his comments, pointing out that bullying, on a much grander scale, is on the rise.
“What we are seeing played out through daily developments from the United States and its odious president is that bullying on a much grander scale, is on the rise, and it only encourages bullies everywhere else to follow along,” he said.
“So, let me be clear: Canada, Canadians and northerners will not be bullied or broken by anyone. The North will stay strong and free, as it has since time immemorial. Mr. Trump, we aren’t afraid of your tariffs, your dictator friends, or the hatred you spew from your bully pulpit.
“We value diversity, compassion and equality, and we won’t and never rest until the NWT and Canada is free of discrimination. Northerners take care of each other in times of good and bad, and we will stand together against bigotry, hatred, homophobia, racism and any affronts to our dignity.”
Meanwhile in the Assembly on Wednesday, Tu Nedhé – Wiilideh MLA Richard Edjericon asked Premier R.J. Simpson what the GNWT can do to ensure the federally run Nutrition North food subsidy program will work better for residents who face extraordinarily expensive costs for groceries.
The program has been criticized more than normal recently, with allegations of poor return on investment for the feds, and that either retailers might not be passing on the savings.
The federal government this week appointed former Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated president Aluki Kotierk to oversee an external review of the Nutrition North subsidy.
Said Edjericon: “There are countless studies which show that the food insecurity has worsened since the program began. Some studies suggest as little as half of every dollar in subsidies paid out is passed on to Northern families. We can read these studies, but we can also talk to our constituents because they show us proof that the rising affordable access to food firsthand.”
With Nutrition North approaching $2 billion spent since 2011, “something needs to change if only half the money is making a difference,” stated the MLA.
“My constituents want to know what their government is doing to ensure federal subsidies 100 percent are passed on to them.”
Premier Simpson noted the new external review and that the feds last year indicated their own review of the program is expected to be completed this year. “We are waiting that and are engaging at every opportunity that we can.”
Also on Wednesday, Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon Armstrong cautioned against a potential for increased marriage fraud to get Canadian citizenship.
This situation could be underscored as the NWT’s nominee program allotments have been be decreased by 50 per cent.
“With this reduction in spots available, I am worried that other means of entry to Canada will be sought,” said the MLA.
“These scam marriage applicants secure the benefits of citizenship and once acquired, they abandon their spouse after tricking them into marriage. The consequences of these scam marriages are devastating on the sponsoring Canadian citizens.
“The processing of immigration applicants and detection of marriage fraud is a responsibility of the federal government. I would like people, especially in small communities, to be aware of this issue.”
