GRISE FIORD - They didn't spell his name correctly, but the federal Conservatives have responded to Jarloo Kiguktak.

The mayor of Grise Fiord wrote Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other members of cabinet in October 2006, and has received a letter in return.

What He Wrote: Excerpts from Prime Minister Stephen Harper's letter to Grise Fiord Mayor Jarloo Kiguktak: I was very pleased to have the opportunity this past summer to visit the territories and reaffirm our government's commitment to defend Arctic sovereignty and to support regional economic development. "I have taken the liberty of forwarding your correspondence to the Honourable Jim Prentice, minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, for his review and consideration. I know that Minister Prentice will warmly welcome your constructive suggestions as we work to advance the interests of Northern Canadians. "Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. Excerpts from Transportation Minister Lawrence Cannon's letter to Grise Fiord Mayor Jarloo Kiguktak: ...Air carriers in Canada make their own business decisions, including those pertaining to the level of their fares, without interference from the federal government. This is necessary to allow carriers the freedom to operate with economic efficiency and remain financially viable... The federal government expects travellers to be treated fairly by Canada's airlines, and, as previously noted, a process has been set up for the impartial investigation of concerns, such as those expressed in your correspondence. You may wish to contact the (Canadian Transportation) Agency at the following address...

In his letters, Kiguktak pointed out that Grise Fiord plays a unique role in preserving Canada's claim to the North. For that, he feels the community deserves some special support from Ottawa for that role. In particular, Kiguktak is seeking recreation facilities for the community's youth.

Harper returned the note with a sympathetic tone, but avoided the topic of Grise Fiord's special place in sovereignty.

"I understand the unique challenges confronting Northern communities, which include infrastructure issues," wrote Harper.

"The PM's letter is pretty much what we expected," said Grise Fiord senior administrative officer Will Ferguson. "We will wait for a response from Minister Prentice."

Harper forwarded the community's request to Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs Jim Prentice, and Grise Fiord is awaiting his response.

Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities Lawrence Cannon also wrote to Kiguktak about the price of air fare to Grise Fiord, a community of close to 100 people.

"Cape Dorset to Iqaluit is the same distance as Grise Fiord to Resolute, but we are paying twice as much," said Ferguson.

While he mistakenly spelled Kiguktak as "Kuguktak," he also referred Kiguktak to Minister Prentice, and provided the mayor with a toll-free complaint number for the transportation agency.

"We won't hold that against him," joked Ferguson about the typo.

The next step for the Grise Fiord council is to meet and decide their response.

"I am certain they will have a case to make," said Ferguson.