Rankin Inlet (Apr 13/05) - Many of the Nunavut government's economic-development programs are hopelessly outdated, said the MLA for Rankin Inlet North.

Tagak Curley, speaking at the Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce's annual general meeting in Rankin this past week, said the government is passing on responsibilities to municipalities without proper funding or infrastructure to handle the added initiatives.

He said in many cases the government is giving municipalities peanuts while off-loading substantial responsibilities.

"Now the hamlets are responsible for training economic development officers (EDO)," said Curley.

"I've never heard of a municipal organization training an EDO.

"That should be done by an accredited consultant or educational facility, not a municipal hamlet.

"The intent of these programs, and what they are trying to accomplish, is good, but they need serious strengthening."

Curley also fired a salvo at government policies surrounding the development of arts and the traditional economy.

He said many of the projects special advisor Theresie Tungalik has been fighting for are simply not on the GN's priority list.

"To date, the Nunavut government has not significantly changed programs we used to think were the greatest almost 30 years ago.

"The government has to restructure those programs because too many of them are nickel-and-dime projects.

"We're, supposedly, looking to pursue global opportunities with the federal government but, internally, the territorial government has to shape up its own programming because it's so outdated."

Competing with banks

Curley said the Nunavut government is competing with banks in a number of its economic-development initiatives.

He said rather than pushing glorified loan agencies, the GN should be turning to equity or leverage funding so more projects can start up.

"We need to be teaming up, not competing against each other.

"The time has come for the government to review many of its major projects."