Iqaluit (Mar 27/06) - The Governor General will be on hand for this year’s Toonik Tyme festival in Iqaluit.

The announcement was made during a press conference held by the festival’s committee.

However, they said it is unclear what role Michaelle Jean will play at the event.

“We know she will be there for sure from the 18th to the 20th (of April),” said acting festival co-ordinator Ailsa Lapp after the conference last week, “We’re still trying to figure out her schedule. She’s very busy of course.”

This year’s Toonik Tyme, the 41st held in Iqaluit, will run from April 17 to 22. The week-long festival includes a number of sporting and cultural events, attended by an international audience.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if people in Germany know about this,” said committee president Archie Angnakak at the conference. “This has drawn tourism to Iqaluit.”

The press conference also outlined how the event has changed for this year. The budget was increased by nearly $20,000 to $70,000.

“To give you an idea of how times change, the first Toonik Tyme budget was $700,” said Lapp at the conference.

Angnakak said this increased funding would go towards bringing back more youth and family-oriented games. However, he said, some money has to come from user fees added to some events.

“All the programs used to be free. Times have changed and we are faced with things getting more expensive,” as the size and scope of the festival has increased, he said.

The press conference was also a chance for the newly re-incorporated Toonik Tyme Committee to demonstrate its ability to lead the festival outside of the City of Iqaluit’s hands.

In 2001, the previous committee was dissolved due to a lack of volunteer support, according to a report at the time. Control of the event reverted back to the city, which ran the festival until this year.

Lapp said turning Toonik Tyme back into an incorporated non-profit organization will increase the festival’s profile and make fundraising easier.

She hopes to eventually hire a full-time festival co-ordinator, as she can only work at the position for a few months of the year.

At the conference, Lapp said the initial aim of Toonik Tyme was to “celebrate the return of the warmth - celebrating that the winter is over and the sun is coming back.”

It is also a chance for the community to come together in a positive way, she said. “We want to make sure the intent of Toonik Tyme is not forgotten.”

The Governor General’s office could not be reached for comment for this story.