"It perpetuates dependency of government," he said. "It's like the old welfare system that doesn't give any incentives to work. Programs of this type really send the wrong message."

The program is part of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement and was designed to provide hunters with new equipment.

Ningeongan said the hamlet refused to be included on a committee with the Hunters and Trappers Organization that would help with the selection of those who would benefit from the program this year.

"We felt this program through NTI (Nunavut Tunngavik Inc.) should be discontinued in the future," he said.

Of the $70,000 allotted for Coral Harbour, Ningeongan said only six or seven people in the community will benefit, as a new snowmachine costs at least $11,000.

This isn't good enough, he maintains, and would like to see the money saved over a period of a couple of years and put toward a local business, such as a meat plant that more people in the community could benefit from over a longer period of time.

Despite the hamlet's criticisms, the program will go ahead as planned, according to James Arvaluk, president of the HTO, which selects the recipients of the new equipment in the community.

"As HTO, we don't control the funds," he said. "We are the agents only -- we have to follow through."

Arvaluk admitted, however, that the money could be more wisely spent, and agreed with many of the mayor's comments.

"I think the point was made by the hamlet," he said. "I think it should be a good starting point for NTI to review the program. But for now, we should follow the plan."