Derek Neary
Northern News Services
Monday, April 23, 2007

IQALUIT - Some of those who lost valuables in a Canadian North warehouse fire on March 10 should see compensation over the next few weeks, according to the airline's president.

Smaller claims under $1,000 will be paid out first, Tom Ruth said.

Larger claims require more scrutiny from the insurance companies and will take longer, he said.

"We know we're going to be more generous than what the minimum claim requirements are," he said.

The lost freight will amount to a couple hundred thousand dollars in compensation, but Ruth didn't have an exact figure as of early last week.

The destroyed cargo included alcohol, boxes of NorthwesTel phone books, translation equipment and many personal items, Ruth said.

Close to 60 claims have been filed so far, he said. Because the fire occurred on a Friday some of the week's cargo had already been picked up.

Ruth said the losses would likely have been higher had the blaze occurred following Monday's or Wednesday's flights.

Iqaluit Fire Chief Greg Jewers couldn't be reached for comment as he was travelling last week. The warehouse sustained so much damage from the fire that virtually nothing can be salvaged.

A new, larger cargo facility will be built, Ruth said, but a location hasn't been determined. A possible Iqaluit airport expansion will play a factor in that decision.

"Insurance is going to cover the bulk of that. I'd be hesitant to name a figure yet because the adjusters are still going through their numbers," he said.

Canadian North recently moved into the former J&G garage near the entrance to Inuksugait plaza as a temporary cargo location until as late as the end of 2008.

Ruth added that the response to the fire and the offers of help from the city and the business community afterwards has been outstanding.

"I was so impressed with the people of Iqaluit," he said.