Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, February 26, 2007

INUVIK - This year's territorial budget will address two long-standing needs in the Beaufort Delta.

Nunakput MLA Calvin Pokiak said he was "very satisfied" with the budget, since its priorities include housing and more police presence in the NWT.

The budget set aside $428,000 for an RCMP detachment in Ikaahuk/Sachs Harbour, which Pokiak said could mean the project will be completed this year.

The island hamlet of about 150 has been without police since 1992, and former mayor Andy Carpenter called their reinstitution his first priority.

Another welcome allocation was of $32.5 million - half of it federal money - for the creation of 168 housing units.

Pokiak said Beaufort communities such as Paulatuk are sorely lacking such units, and as a result their public housing is often crowded. "I am very satisfied with the minister's budget in regards to Sachs Harbour and the housing situation, it's good we were included," he said.

Pokiak represents the communities of Sachs Harbour, Ulukhaktok/Holman, Paulatuk and Tuktoyaktuk.