Iqaluit (Nov 29/04) - While official numbers are not available, the Minister responsible for Qulliq Energy thinks the corporation's loss for the recent fiscal year could be more than $12 million.

"It may be less. It may be more, but I don't think there's any point in speculating until we actually have the documents in front us," Ed Picco said in the assembly, Nov. 24.

Official statements were expected within the coming week, he said.

Provincial promises

While in Brazil last week, Prime Minister Paul Martin mentioned he eventually sees Canada's territories becoming provinces.

"I'm very pleased that the prime minister is thinking along the same lines of what should happen in the North," Okalik said outside the assembly. "I'd like to see us become a true partner in confederation."

In the assembly the premier also said he would like to conclude devolution talks within the term of this government.

Broadband money

A 10-year $7.5 million federal subsidy for the territory-wide broadband network has yet to be confirmed.

"Without this subsidy, the business case is not feasible and the network cannot launch," Minister of Economic Development David Simailak said in the assembly, Nov. 22.

The money will help pay for the cost of providing bandwidth to Nunavut's 25 communities once the equipment for a wireless broadband network is in place.

Simailak said he wrote a letter encouraging Ottawa to complete the negotiations so the network can be turned on by Dec. 15.

Polar bears of concern

Uqqummiut MLA James Arreak wants to know how the government is responding to a proposed federal order which would classify the polar bear as a special concern under the Species At Risk Act.

Minister of the Environment Olayuk Akesuk said the GN is working with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. and the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to determine what needs to be done.

"We'll make sure that our counterparts know that there is an increase and not a decrease of the polar bear population in Nunavut," Akesuk told Arreak in the assembly, Nov. 22.

Gas tax dollars galore

Minister of Community and Government Services Peter Kilabuk told the assembly he would be seeking at least one per cent of a $5 billion federal gas tax to be set aside for Nunavut.

A one per cent share would mean $50 million coming into the territory.

Kilabuk said he had a meeting to discuss the gas tax and other issues with federal Industry Minister John Godfrey set for this past weekend.

Past funding formulas based on population often left Nunavut at a disadvantage.