Nunavut senator working to fast-track Phoenix pay system issues in the territory

Nunavut Senator Dennis Patterson is hearing good news when it comes to getting help for federal employees in the territory affected by the flawed Phoenix pay system. He said he can help fast-track Nunavummuit who are facing issues.

Tens of thousands of public servants in Canada have been underpaid, overpaid, or not received any pay at all since Phoenix launched in February 2016. 

"I think we finally got the problems of Nunavummiut on the government's radar," said Patterson.

About a month ago, Patterson said he penned a letter to the working group on the Phoenix issues, but it wasn't until after he made a statement in the senate June 1, that Patterson heard back from the group.

Patterson said Public Services Minister Judy Foote called him and said her office could help fast-track people he referred, as long as the federal employees are willing to describe their pay issues and provide personal record identifier numbers.

Patterson said he has already referred three Nunavummiut to the minister.

"I would encourage anyone else who's having problems [to come forward]," Patterson said. "We know there is quite a number in Nunavut."

Unique problem in the north 

Making things worse for northern employees is a lack of understanding at southern call centres about the importance of isolated post allowance (IPA). Patterson said it can make up a significant portion of a pay cheque, especially for new federal employees.

"[They] wouldn't let the absence of the IPA payments qualify for emergency assistance," he added.

Patterson said the federal government is looking at creating a specialized unit to handle Phoenix pay system​ issues from northern employees.

"It hasn't been confirmed yet, but there are some promising signs," Patterson said.