Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Jan 10/00) - Baffin business groups want their members to have more time to review a key incentive policy that will assist Nunavut companies bidding on government contracts.

Comments on the draft Nunavut business incentive policy (BIP) are due by Jan. 14.

"This short timeframe is unacceptable," said Chris Cote, president of the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce.

A main objective of the policy is to offer businesses incentives to have Nunavut, Inuit and local content in their bids.

The Baffin chamber is distributing copies of the draft policy to its members, but one week is not enough time to review what Cote called a "critical" document.

The working group drafting the policy, which includes the Nunavut Government and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. representatives, is proposing a point system based on local, Nunavut and Inuit ownership. Employment and training are also factors.

"There needs to be more time for comment. This should not be rushed through just to meet some arbitrary implementation date," said Cheri Kemp-Kinnear, president of the Iqaluit Chamber Of Commerce.

Both chambers want at least six weeks to review the 13-page document.

The business groups also want public discussions with politicians present.

"The politicians need to hear our concerns first- hand," said Cote.

"Discussions also need to be held with other communities. With decentralization on the horizon, there will be a growing business sector in 11 communities in Nunavut. They should also have the chance for input," he said.

John Purdy, contracts manager with the Nunavut Government's Public Works and Housing Department, said, "I understand the timeframe is short but we have to work within that timeframe ... if we want it in place in time for this year's construction season."

Purdy said the department is attempting to get the date extended to Jan. 21.

A new BIP policy would replace the existing BIP Nunavut adopted last year, which mirrors the Northwest Territories' policy.

The objectives of the new policy include:

* Securing goods and services for the Government of Nunavut, at the best value, recognizing the higher cost of doing business in Nunavut and using a contracting process that is clear, fair and equitable.

* Building the economy of Nunavut and its communities by strengthening capacity and increasing employment.

* Bringing about a level of Inuit participation in the provision of goods and services to the Nunavut Government that represents the Inuit share of the Nunavut population.

* Increasing the number of trained and skilled Nunavut residents at all levels of the workforce to a level reflecting the Inuit proportion of the Nunavut population.

The working group is suggesting the new contracting policy be called Nunavummi Nanmminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti Policy (Assistance for Nunavut Businesses).

Nunavut Construction Corporation president Tagak Curley said he has not yet gone over the policy in detail, but his initial reaction was positive.