The exchange, a first for the province, was prompted by an invitation from NWT Premier Don Morin to Manitoba's minister of rural development, Len Derkach, when they attended a Northern economic development meeting in Prince George, B.C., last fall.

While in Rankin Inlet, Derkach said that Keewatin residents can expect to see a liaison officer in the region by April or May who will help Northern businesses and Manitoba businesses work better together.

"Whether it's in Arviat or Rankin -- it will be in the Keewatin region," he said. "It will be someone who will understand the culture of the NWT, understand the language and also understand some of the issues we're trying to focus on."

Delegates also spoke about the possibility of a road from the South to the Keewatin, as well as the possibility of Manitoba Hydro providing power service to the region, both projects for the future.

Derkach said that he commissioned a feasibility study three months ago to investigate the possibility of Manitoba Hydro providing power to Arviat, Whale Cove, and Rankin Inlet.

Kivallivik MLA Kevin O'Brien said the trade mission was a good opportunity for Manitoba people to meet the people of the Keewatin to establish a better relationship that will better serve the needs of Northerners.

Keewatin residents spend $300 million annually in Manitoba, and it's time, said O'Brien, to have more of an equitable relationship. "There has to be some reciprocation to the Keewatin, and in particular, Arviat and Baker Lake," he said. "There has to be some give and take."

Michael Ogborn, managing director for OmniTRAX Inc., the company that owns the port of Churchill, Man., agrees.

"The people of Manitoba began to take the business here for granted," he said. "I think this trade mission is a recognition that we have to pay attention to the people you deal with."