Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet ( Mar 01/00) - Power grids and highways were the topics of choice in Rankin Inlet during Manitoba Premier Gary Doer's recent visit to the legislative assembly.

Doer (left) was in Rankin to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik. The signing was the formalization of a commitment by both parties to work together for the benefit of Nunavut and Manitoba.

Discussions between the two sides covered a wide range of topics, with hydro and transportation pre-feasibility studies capturing most people's attention.

Okalik said Nunavut has been able to count on Manitoba as a strong ally during its development and couldn't resist musing about the possibility of a road linking Nunavut with the western province.

"This will take hard work and commitment and we will need the co-operation and support of many partners, but I am confident we will see dramatic improvements in both Nunavut and Manitoba.

"I would also like to fulfil my dream of one day driving from my home territory into Manitoba, on what is certain to be the most beautiful car trip in Canada," said Okalik.

Kivalliq Chamber of Commerce president Ray Mercer said it's important for Manitoba and the Kivalliq Region to pool resources and work together to benefit both areas.

He said the MOU signing is an important stepping stone to economic development for the region.

"Four or five years ago, there was nobody talking about these ideas," said Mercer.

"Go back 10 years ago, and the mention of roads or power grids put you up against a brick wall.

"Now, an avenue of communication exists which is a great step forward."

Mercer said he doesn't believe Manitoba is simply giving the Kivalliq Region lip service in an attempt to keep the business interests it holds in the region.

He said the province has a vested interest in ensuring Nunavut works.

"I see northern Manitoba and the port of Churchill as a growing concern for Manitoba.

"The province is really pouring dollars into developing and looking after the town there.

"That means they are interested in the development of the North."

Mercer said every Kivalliq community is hoping to see economic gain from the MOU.

The pre-feasibility study shows possible links of the hydro line in Rankin, Arviat, Whale Cove, Baker Lake and Chesterfield.

"If the mines in our region do open up, large scale transportation would be required.

"Tourism would be a great spinoff. If we can get a road open from Churchill up this way, where you can move thousands of people at a fairly economical rate, we could tap into the tourism northern Manitoba is now enjoying."