IQALUIT (Sep 28/98) - The noise of expansion is almost deafening in Nunavut. Workmen have been taking advantage of the long hours of daylight to finish many construction projects the new government will need.

Tagak Curley, president of Nunavut Construction Corporation, says right now there are 140 labours in 11 communities working wide open.

Construction of the new legislative assembly is even ahead of schedule due to good weather and the fact there has been two shifts a day working on it.

"We're pushing right along," said Curley. "We've got contracts for 80 residents and three office complexes throughout Nunavut."

There is new construction in five Baffin communities, three Keewatin and three Kitikmeot communities. But construction is most visible in Iqaluit because it will of course be the capital, Curley said.

Electrical, mechanical and plumbing is being sub-contracted out but everything else is being done by NCC.

Countdown to Nunavut adult basic education running

Rankin Inlet - Thirty Keewatin students are heading back to school this week to begin Nunavut Arctic College's Countdown to Nunavut adult basic education program.

With a strong focus on training for new jobs in the Nunavut government, the program attracted more than 50 applicants, up from the six that took the upgrading course last year.

Adult educator Angie Kubluitok said that they had to turn more than 20 people away because they didn't have the space for more students.

"We were very sad -- we didn't want to turn anyone away," she said.

Designed to improve literacy, provide Inuktitut instruction and work experience, the program will run for eight months.

Anawak touring Nunavut

Interim commissioner Jack Anawak will be on the road visiting communities in Baffin and Kitikmeot communities in the next few months.

Anyone with concerns or questions about the new government is invited to bring them to meetings scheduled for their communities.

In the past months Anawak and members of the deputy team have been busy meeting with hamlet councils, talking to students, elders and government employees in the Keewatin about their concerns.