Nunavut government spends millions on overtime

Numbers released in March of last year showed the Nunavut government paid out more than $16 million on overtime in just 10 months.

The Department of Health and Social Services spent the most more than $10 million. The Qulliq Energy Corporation spent more than $2 million in the same time frame.

The Department of Justice came in third with $1.3 million in overtime costs.

In all, the government paid out nearly $55 million in overtime between April 2009 and February 2012.

In the legislature this month, Nunavut Finance Minister Keith Peterson said he sees the monthly reports and overtime costs are still high.

"We're looking at ways that we can reduce overtime and reduce the stress and strain on many of our staff that are working overtime," he said.

Doug Workman, president of the Nunavut Employees Union, said part of the problem is the number of job vacancies.

"I think where they can do better, or they can minimize overtime in certain areas, they should do so by hiring enough staff," he said.

Workman added the GN should also offer professional development and training to encourage those hires to stay.