by Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Oct 13/97) - Nunakput MLA Vince Steen has levelled sharp criticism of the new territorial transition report.

The report, the Creation of Two New Territories Transition Action Plan tabled in the legislature Wednesday, looks more like a move to control the new Nunavut government and less like advice, he said.

"If you want to control anyone, you give them a government you designed," Steen (left) stated.

History shows that when one side wants to take over another, without a war, control their government, he said.

"I believe that is what is being suggested here."

He said Nunavut has fought for many years for the right to design their own government "and we don't have any right to do it for them."

If they don't proceed with their own government, they might just as well continue on as part of this government."

Baffin South MLA Goo Arlooktoo said he was "somewhat disturbed" with Steen's "seemingly derogatory tone."

Arlooktoo is the minister responsible for Nunavut transition planning.

This is a transitional document. It does not impose any political ideology (on anyone)," Finance Minister John Todd said.

"I object to comments that we're trying to impose (anything on Nunavut)."

The report details how much money is needed to set up the North's second public service.

When the transition report was tabled in the legislature, Todd said it was a resource.

The report shows creation of a second public service in the North will cost $136 million. About $20 million of the $136 million will come from the federal government's $150 million set aside 18 months ago for transitional costs.

GNWT will look to Ottawa for the $116 shortfall.

"While this ($150 million) funding was and is extremely important in moving the process forward, it is important to point out that the federal government had to allocate this funding without the detailed information that we now have at hand," Todd said.

The report also shows there is little time to move on some areas of transition.

"It is generally accepted that the process of creating two new territories by April 1, 1999 is well behind schedule," the Creation of Two New Territories Transition Action Plan said.

With delays, the GNWT is losing key experienced staff. They are seeking work elsewhere because of the uncertainty created by division.

If contracting arrangements are not made soon, more staff will leave.

The report suggests contracting arrangements should be for one, and in some cases up to three, years.

Contracts must be identified by the end of next month to ensure services are delivered and to provide assurances to the remaining staff.

"We're glad government has realized there are a number of things that must be done soon and we're glad government is focusing on the how," NWT Chamber of Commerce president David Connelly said.

But the chamber is concerned that delays might result in higher costs.

"Increased costs must eventually be paid by Northern residents and/or the federal government from taxes."

Delays also create uncertainty, he said.

"Business can best contribute to a community when there is certainty."

Connelly also said division will create a "shifting" of business from east to west but no "loss" of business.

The GNWT will seek assistance from the federal government and Indian and Northern Affairs minister Jane Stewart has agreed to a funding meeting.

Minister responsible for western transition planning Charles Dent plans to table a report tomorrow which will focus on the western transitional costs related to division.