NNSL (May 18/98) - Deputy ministers from Nunavut and the NWT met in Iqaluit last week to iron out some of the wrinkles.

Along with exchanging concerns and issues affecting both the old and new territories, the leaders took the opportunity to begin planning their finances for the 1999-2000 fiscal year.

In a press release issued by Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Interim Commissioner Jack Anawak said, "This meeting, which is the first of its kind, is a chance for the deputy ministers to seek consensus in ensuring a smooth division of the territories." The group also discussed human resources issues and service arrangements.

No to Power Corp

Nunavut leaders are uncomfortable with the GNWT's proposal for continuing to share the NWT Power Corp. According to NTI, the agreement is inadequate and they are recommending a two-year interim management agreement instead.

Nunavut leaders say the two-year period will give them enough time to develop a new agreement while maintaining the status quo. NTI president Jose Kusugak is concerned that agreeing to the original proposal may have a negative impact on Nunavut's future.

Health issues

Rankin Inlet hosted discussions about Nunavut's health-care system earlier this month. Some 70 representatives from communities in Nunavut met and relayed their concerns and recommendations about what health-care and related issues should look like after division.

Ken MacRury, Nunavut's deputy minister of health and social services, will use the input generated by the week-long conference to identify the health issues and needs of Nunavut residents.

Secret salaries

Will they or won't they? It's the question on everyone's minds as Nunavut leaders continue to discuss whether or not they should publicize the salaries of the new positions in the Nunavut government.

Jose Kusugak is calling on Jack Anawak to do so in the name of freedom to information. NTI has published the incomes of its executives but so far, Anawak says he'll let the new government make those decisions.