Anne-Marie Jennings
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 11/98) - Residents of the territories who feel slighted by Environment Canada when it comes to weather forecasts can hold out hope for a better service in the long run.

"Once you get outside of major populated parts of Canada, the cost of operations goes up," explained David Grimes. "Costs in the North are usually twice the cost of operating in the South."

Grimes is an Environment Canada representative who is travelling across the country to gather input on the structure of the Atmospheric Environment Program and how to re-shape it for the future.

"It was recognized through program review that certain organizations needed flexibility," Grimes said. "So they could be able to still focus on certain kinds of services with less resources."

In the second of two days of consultations in Yellowknife last month, representatives from the department took the pulse of Northern residents.

The workshop was part of a continued commitment to evaluate the role of the Atmospheric Environment Program and whether it is meeting the needs of both the public and its business partners.

By visiting cities across Canada and meeting with government representatives and other interested individuals, Grimes and the members of his panel want to gather information from as many people as possible.

"We have to work to develop a clear picture of the role and responsibilities for the government," Grimes explained.

"In return, the government is willing to give us a different way of operating. It would allow for creative delivery of services without having to go back and get the rules changed."

Grimes said he is also interested in advice on how to increase the presence of the AEP within the communities of the North without the need for field bureaus in every community.

"There's not only a cultural diversity in the North which has to be addressed," he said, "but there has to be an effort to make sure your presence is felt."

Grimes said the consultation phase of the review is expected to be completed this month, with the final report expected to be released by mid-June.