by Glenn Taylor
Northern News Services

INUVIK (DEC 06/96) - The Inuvialuit Development Corporation (IDC) has won three hospital service contracts from the Inuvik Regional Health Board.

The work was previously done by hospital staff, but the board decided earlier this year to contract out the work as a cost-saving measure. IDC bid on the work after being contacted by a representative of the employees concerned about saving jobs in the community.

The corporation beat out 12 other bidders for the three-year contracts to provide catering, janitorial and transient centre services.

"IDC provided the most competitive price, best community benefits and were one of only two companies to meet IRHB's stringent technical requirements as a health care service provider," said Drew Lockhart, the hospital chief executive officer.

Hiring preference will be given to the current health board employees.

The contract is also a plus for IDC. It gives the corporation an opportunity to offer full-time skilled employment opportunities, said IDC chair Dennie Lennie.