NNSL (Dec 08/97) - The territorial government announced a cabinet shuffle Friday.

The justice portfolio has been switched to Baffin South MLA Goo Arlooktoo from Kitikmeot representative Kelvin Ng.

Jim Antoine, member for Nahendeh, was named the new minister of public works and services, a post that was held by Arlooktoo.

Premier Don Morin announced the changes Friday, describing them as a "fine tuning" of cabinet. Morin said the purpose of the changes was to even up ministers' workloads.

Antoine will remain minister of aboriginal affairs minister of transportation. Arlooktoo will continue as to head up Nunavut transition planning and the NWT Housing Corp.

Ng remains minister of health and social services and minister responsible for seniors. Ng is also the GNWT representative on the provincial/territorial ministerial council on social policy reform. The changes were announced a day after Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. announced the line-up for its shadow cabinet.

Meanwhile, at a board meeting held in Iqaluit last week, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) named its shadow cabinet.

In a NTI news release distributed Thursday, president Jose Kusugak said the shadow cabinet was formed to look out for Inuit interests, not oppose the government.

"There is a difference between a watchdog group and an opposition party," Kusugak was quoted as saying. "We are on the side of ordinary MLAs here and we are aware of many positive steps they have taken. NTI will work vigorously with the MLAs in the long-term interests of the Inuit of Nunavut."

One of the goals of the shadow cabinet is to ensure the GNWT does not make commitments that will bind the Nunavut government.

Following is how NTI divvied up the portfolios:

• Jose Kusugak: premier, NWT Power Corp., national constitutional affairs

• James Eetoolook: finance, financial management board, municipal and community affairs

• Raymond Ningeocheak: resources, wildlife and economic development, transportation, Workers' Compensation Board, youth

• Natsiq Kango: justice, NWT Housing Corp., Public Utilities Board, women's directorate

• Charlie Evalik: health and social services, aboriginal affairs

• Lazarus Arreak: education, culture and employment

• Paul Kaludjak: public works and safety

The shadow cabinet will be holding a planning session in January.

Two of the eight members of the territorial cabinet -- deputy premier Goo Arlooktoo and Manitok Thompson -- are Inuit. Half the of cabinet represents Nunavut ridings.