Michael Kostenuk
Northern News Services

WINNIPEG, MAN. (Feb 17/99) - Only days after Gloria Penner threatened to shut down her financially troubled Ublivik Inuit centre, the Winnipeg-based operation will remain solvent because of a commitment of funds from the Keewatin Regional Health Board (KRHB), according to centre spokesman Ron Butterfield.

Responding to the ultimatum issued by Penner, KRHB has agreed to provide funds to pay off debts Penner claims she has incurred because of inadequate funding by the board during the past six years. Butterfield said the sums are: $117,000 in payables; $108,000 in receivables, and $67,241.67 monthly from January, 1999 to July, 1999.

"For the first time in years, Gloria is solvent. There's even a little money in the bank," said Butterfield.

The centre will continue to operate until July 1. On that date the centre is expected to come under the jurisdiction of Nunavut. Ublivik is seeking to continue its business of providing a boarding home environment for Keewatin Region patients and relatives coming to Winnipeg in relation to medical treatment.

Butterfield said the centre is bidding for a three-year contract which will begin July 1. A decision is expected in late March and Butterfield is hopeful about the centre's chances.

The infusion of KRHB funding followed days after former interim Nunavut commissioner Jack Anawak voiced his support of the centre at a meeting designed to draw attention to the Angel's plight. Penner has earned the Angel nickname during her 30 years of operating the centre.