IQALUIT (June 09/97) - A tiff over travel expenses and office time recently broke out between two of the most powerful men in Nunavut.

Late last month Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. president Jose Kusugak issued a press release calling newly appointed Interim Commissioner Jack Anawak to task for his weekly flights -- at Nunavut land claim expense -- from Iqaluit headquarters to his home in Rankin Inlet.

NTI issued the release after hearing Anawak tell a radio talk show audience that weekend trips home are provided for in his employment contract.

"I told him on an airplane once that I would agree to 'conjugal visits' for him, which are normally over a month apart, depending on the employer," said Kusugak in the release.

"I would never agree to what amounts to a four-day work week for an important position like Jack's," he added.

That's what Anawak's work week would amount to, said Kusugak, if he left Iqaluit Friday afternoon and returned Monday afternoon.

The lowest return fare from Iqaluit to Rankin Inlet available from NWT Air is about $660, which works about to $34,000 for a year's worth of weekly trips.

Former Northern Affairs Minister Ron Irwin appointed Anawak interim commissioner April 15. The decision was made after consultation with NTI and the territorial government.

Attempts to contact Anawak for comment were unsuccessful.