Iqaluit (Jan 30/06) - The North is so important to any party in power in Ottawa that the change of government will make "no difference" to the business community in Nunavut.

Ken Spencer:"The federal government needs the North and the resources that are available in the North."

"The federal government needs the North and needs the resources that are available in the North," said Ken Spencer, president of the Iqaluit Chamber of Commerce.

"It doesn't matter whether it's Conservative or Liberal or Neo-Democratic; I don't see a change."

Spencer also pointed out that the government of Nunavut is "non-partisan."

"So, our views up here are more who we elect as opposed to the party. The people's confidence in Nunavut is in the person rather than the party."

"Nancy (Karetak-Lindell) is a clear voice for Nunavut. I think she will be identified as such," Spencer said.

"There may be a change in her position of influence, being no longer in the government, but I don't think her position of expressing the needs of Nunavut is going to change.

"In fact, she may be able to be more open and not aligned with party politics and be more critical of what's happening in the North - which is actually good."