Premier Aariak Responds to Charges Against Teachers

Premier Eva Aariak released the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned when serious charges are laid against Nunavut teachers. The trust between schools and the community and between parents and teachers is of the utmost importance to everyone. Equally important is the trust that exists between teachers and their students.

I understand that this trust has been shaken. I want to assure Nunavummiut that the Department of Education is doing all that it can to assist the police with their investigation and to support the members of the school communities.

Staff members involved are immediately suspended while the allegations are being investigated. 

In the meantime, we must allow the RCMP to do their work. Neither the department, nor the schools in question, can comment on the charges.

The Department of Education has a number of procedures in place to help us provide a safe learning environment. These procedures have been established to protect the safety and wellness of all members of the school community. When these types of situations occur, we review these procedures to ensure that they have been followed appropriately and that we are doing all that we can. We also look to make improvements whenever and wherever possible.

As we move forward, the Department will work closely with parents, schools and district education authorities to rebuild confidence in the important work our teachers do.”
 

Media contact:

Emily Woods
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
867-975-5059
@email
www.premier.gov.nu.ca