Thorunn Howatt
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Apr 15/02) - Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. has accused the territorial government of violating the land claims agreement after some high-profile companies were given another year to get in line with business ownership policy.

The Nunavummi Nangminiqaqtunik Ikajuuti(NNI) policy, which give an advantage to Nunavummiut-owned firms, grandfathers non-Inuit owned companies that have operated for many years in the territory.

The grace period was supposed to end last April 1, but earlier this month the government extended section 20 of the policy until March 31, 2003, to enable more businesses to comply.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc leadership is angry with the decision. President Cathy Towtongie said government bowed too easily to big-business lobbying efforts and thinks the decision is not in the best interest of Nunavut land claim beneficiaries.

"By taking these steps the GN has violated the land claims agreement and the NNI policy itself. The GN has a clear obligation to consult with NTI before changing the policy," said Towtongie.

"Our goal for Nunavut is increased and stable economic development and I believe the extension of this NNI clause supports that goal," said Nunavut Public Works and Services Minister Peter Kattuk.

Canadian North is just one of the companies doing business in Nunavut under section 20. The airline is one per cent short of the 51 per cent Nunavummiut ownership requirement. Other companies on the NNI policy registry include the Royal Bank of Canada and NorthwesTel Inc.