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No chunk of money

Re-training programs offered to hunters and guides

Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Mar 05/01) - Hunters and guides affected by the M'Clintock Channel decision won't recieve a cash hand-out.

Sustainable Development Minister Olayuk Akesuk said those who will lose money resulting from a quota reduction in 2001, and a moratorium in 2002, will receive more lasting compensation.

"We are planning to do an initiative for the communities that are impacted," he said.

Gjoa Haven, Taloyoak and Cambridge Bay shared the bears from the M'Clintock Channel until results of a scientific study indicated the population to be less than thought. That prompted the Nunavut Wildlife Management Board to make a decision concerning the number of bears harvested from the management zone.

The minister said instead of issuing cheques to just a few people, retraining programs -- likely focusing on tourism -- would be offered to all interested parties.

"Instead of giving out chunks of money to the hunters, it's better for us to make sure we use the money in the proper way of training all of the people that are affected and interested," said Akesuk.

He also said he had written to the mayors of the communities asking them how the government could best assist them.

Akesuk said he would make a more specific announcement during the spring session of the Legislature. That sitting is scheduled to be held in Cambridge Bay.