Latest news with #CaitlinCleveland
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
Lead tests at YK schools under review after no expertise sought
Officials with the GNWT now say tests that showed unsafe concentrations of lead in two Yellowknife area schools were done properly and no water quality experts were consulted with the findings, putting the initial scare in question. An update was released by the GNWT May 31. 'Over the past few days, additional resources have been mobilized and expert support engaged to better understand the situation,' reads the unattributed press release. 'While a comprehensive investigation is still underway, the GNWT believes it is important to share what is currently known so families, school staff, and the broader public have the facts and a clear understanding of next steps. 'The GNWT is re-testing all school water sources where elevated lead levels were previously reported, using best practices and appropriate methodology. Results will be shared as soon as they are received—first with schools and families, and then with the public. A full review of how this situation unfolded is also underway, with the goal of ensuring confidence in this pilot project and strengthening future efforts.' Findings from the GNWT's initial investigation found the initial tests of water samples were not done to standards for national best practices. Furthermore, the press release notes that no in-house expertise was consulted, not even the GNWT's on-staff water quality experts, nor was third party expertise sought. 'As a result, the validity of the initial test results — particularly where elevated lead levels were reported — is now in question,' states the press release. 'Although the original intent was to complete testing quickly with available resources, the lack of expert involvement compromised the reliability of both the process and the results. 'It is important to reiterate that all drinking water provided to NWT residents is regularly treated and tested to ensure it meets Canadian drinking water standards. The GNWT acknowledges the concern this situation has caused. While the original intent of this project was to help confirm the safety of school drinking water, the issues identified in the testing process are now enabling clearer steps to ensure water quality and, if necessary, corrective action.' Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland has initiated a third party review of the pilot program. She made that announcement on May 29, three days after a water sample test showed concentrations of lead of 0.009 milligrams per litre — nearly double the 0.005 mg/L maximum safe concentration recommended by Health Canada — were found at both William McDonald Middle School and Range Lake North School. Large volumes of lead over a long time can result in reduced cognition, increased blood pressure and renal dysfunction in adults, as well as adverse neurodevelopmental and behavioural effects in children. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
CBC
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
N.W.T. minister heading to Ottawa next week to follow up on nominee program changes
A Northwest Territories minister is heading to Ottawa to follow up on the territory's requests for its nominee program. On Tuesday, MLAs asked for more information about redesigning the the nominee program on behalf of people anticipating 2026 applications. Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland will travel to Ottawa next week. The Northwest Territories Nominee Program already saw changes earlier this year. Federally imposed cuts meant the number of spots in the program, which are commonly filled by people seeking permanent residency and individuals with expiring work permits, were cut in half. The program attracts foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada, those already here with expiring work permits and individuals seeking permanent residency. This year there were 90 spots for new applications and 60 for applications from 2024 —150 spots total compared to what used to be 300 spots. "Restoring the allocation to 300, asking the federal government to engage directly with GNWT and N.W.T. stakeholders, allowing the GNWT to extend work permits for a two year N.W.T. specific timeframe and to enhance support for settlement services. These are all fantastic pieces," said Great Slave MLA Kate Reid. Cleveland discussed she has already expressed the issue to the federal government by letter. Reid added that she has heard concerns about the requests, specifically from program hopefuls worried about being left with little to no option but to extend their work permit, consequently being left out of program applications next year. In response to the federal cuts, the N.W.T. government limited this year's applications for the program to those whose work permits are set to expire in a year or less. Reid said the problem is if someone's work permit is extended two years, then with the current set up, they would be ineligible to apply for the nominee program next year. "It's important for them to get clarity on whether the GNWT will continue to only consider applications of those applicants whose permits are set to expire within a year or less," said Reid, Cleveland said the decision to limit it this year was based on the immediate concerns she received. "One thing that quickly became apparent was that there was concern over people whose work permits would be expiring in January and February of 2026 …There is never an intention to design a program that has a gap," said Cleveland. "Certainly I do know that going into next year that we have more people interested in the program than we currently have spaces for." People on maternity leave are left in limbo, says MLA In advance of Cleveland's trip to Ottawa, MLA for Range Lake, Kieron Testart brought up a separate part of the program he'd like to see addressed. Testart said he's heard from program hopefuls that are expecting children. He said if someone goes on maternity leave it makes them ineligible to apply. "What is the minister doing to ensure that expecting parents aren't excluded from this program? Or is the message that women must delay pregnancy in order to qualify?" Cleveland said she is aware of the leave provision and it is something she is also looking to address.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
What's the plan for adult learning in small N.W.T. communities? MLAs want to know
How will the territory support learning in small N.W.T. communities after Aurora College announced in January it would shut 19 community learning centres? That's the question MLAs asked Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland at the Legislative Assembly on Friday. "These closures unfairly target Indigenous communities and will make education less accessible for Indigenous learners," said Sheryl Yakeleya, the MLA for the Dehcho. "Our people need more learning opportunities at home and in our own communities." Four other members had similar comments, and asked Cleveland how her department would fill the gap once the centres close at the end of June. "We should be doing more for small communities, not less," said Jane Weyallon Armstrong, the MLA for Monfwi. Based on how much funding the government of the Northwest Territories provides to Aurora College — $35 million in base funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year — MLAs emphasised the need for the government and the college to be aligned. Cleveland said the Department of Education, Culture and Employment was working with Aurora College to determine the college's plan moving forward and then, she said, the department can come up with its own plan to fill the gaps. "Because they still do maintain the responsibility at the end of the day of ensuring that there are access to education and access to employment opportunities within communities." Caitlin Cleveland, the territory's education minister, says her department plans to fill gaps left by Aurora College's decision to close 19 of its community learning centres. (Julie Plourde/Radio-Canada) Cleveland said any funding the college doesn't use comes back to the department and the government can use that money to advance education opportunities across the territory. Cleveland also said her department has been hearing from communities and Indigenous governments that have their own ideas of how they'd like to use the facilities, though she didn't provide more detail on what some of those ideas are. "Although this has been certainly a shock to the Northwest Territories, I think we're in a really good position and have an opportunity in front of us to re-envision what these centres become and what adult learning looks like in communities," Cleveland said.
CBC
08-02-2025
- Politics
- CBC
What's the plan for adult learning in small N.W.T. communities? MLAs want to know
How will the territory support learning in small N.W.T. communities after Aurora College announced in January it would shut 19 community learning centres? That's the question MLAs asked Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland at the Legislative Assembly on Friday. "These closures unfairly target Indigenous communities and will make education less accessible for Indigenous learners," said Sheryl Yakeleya, the MLA for the Dehcho. "Our people need more learning opportunities at home and in our own communities." Four other members had similar comments, and asked Cleveland how her department would fill the gap once the centres close at the end of June. "We should be doing more for small communities, not less," said Jane Weyallon Armstrong, the MLA for Monfwi. Based on how much funding the government of the Northwest Territories provides to Aurora College — $35 million in base funding for the 2023-2024 fiscal year — MLAs emphasised the need for the government and the college to be aligned. Cleveland said the Department of Education, Culture and Employment was working with Aurora College to determine the college's plan moving forward and then, she said, the department can come up with its own plan to fill the gaps. "Because they still do maintain the responsibility at the end of the day of ensuring that there are access to education and access to employment opportunities within communities." Cleveland said any funding the college doesn't use comes back to the department and the government can use that money to advance education opportunities across the territory. Cleveland also said her department has been hearing from communities and Indigenous governments that have their own ideas of how they'd like to use the facilities, though she didn't provide more detail on what some of those ideas are. "Although this has been certainly a shock to the Northwest Territories, I think we're in a really good position and have an opportunity in front of us to re-envision what these centres become and what adult learning looks like in communities," Cleveland said.
