MLA says high school in Baker Lake, Nunavut, still doesn't have a special needs washroom

A Nunavut MLA says a special needs washroom at the community's high school was recently renovated, but it's not big enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

Baker Lake MLA Craig Simailak raised the issue with Education Minister Pamela Gross in the Legislative Assembly on Monday.

"It's very clear to people in Baker Lake, on the ground, the necessary renovations have not taken place," Simailak said.

Simailak said the space is not big enough to accommodate a wheelchair and two people to help lift the person in the wheelchair.

Gross she said she would look into the inadequacy of the washroom, but that until this point she had been told that the renovations were complete.

"The department has taken a look at this situation and from my understanding, everything was cleared to go ahead," Gross said.

She said the Department of Education worked with Community and Government Services to expand the washroom. Gross also said the departments, "went with what was available within the parameters of the space."

"I know that they did follow the guidelines and the washroom did meet standards for a specialized washroom," Gross said.

Simailak said he would "strongly suggest" the department look into the issue again.

He said there is "ample room" to make a special needs washroom in the high school, and that the renovations did not expand the washroom properly.

He asked Gross to "reactivate" the file to properly accommodate students in wheelchairs.

"We can certainly look into it again," Gross said.

Simailak said there's an "obvious disconnect" between the people on the ground and the minister's position.

'Wooden crate' in the middle of the washroom 

Simalak said a change table has been sitting in a wooden crate "right in the middle of the washroom" since December last year.

"They said the renovations are done, yet there's a wooden crate right in the middle of the washroom," Simailak said.

"This is not promoting inclusivity in our schools. Will the minister commit to addressing this issue herself?"

Simailak asked Gross to commit to a Zoom meeting with the school to see the washroom for herself.

"She doesn't need to fly there, With today's technology she can see it online," he said.

Gross said she could.

"Yes, we can commit to that," she said.