Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Oct 03/01) - Kivalliq hamlets could soon have a problem getting their numbers to add up if they don't deal with a looming software dilemma.

The problem was one of the main items discussed during a recent gathering of Nunavut senior administration officers in Rankin Inlet.

Microsoft will soon release what is expected to be its last operating system to support aging DOS applications.

Only three hamlets in all of Nunavut have switched to ACCPAC Advantage, which uses Windows instead of DOS.

Arviat SAO Darren Flynn said hamlets are looking at expensive hardware and software conversions if they want to acquire the new program.

"We had the firms of Avery Cooper and Co. and Grant Thornton at the meetings taking a look at that for us," he said.

"Everybody has a better understanding of what's going on now and the next thing we have to do is look at implementing it."

It is important for hamlets across Nunavut to have the same basic accounting system, Flynn added.

"A Windows-based program allows easier operation and gives you more flexibility in your ability to report information."

Staff training

The SAOs also discussed the municipality training program.

The old program, sponsored by the NWT Association of Municipal Administrators, primarily focused on training SAOs.

Nunavut, however, has switched to training all staff.

Flynn said the next step is to ask the government to make funding available to for the training shift.

"A lot of the work has been done in some communities already, in so far as needs assessments, and we want to move forward," he said.

"We'll still try and ensure there's plenty of professional development for our SAOs, but we're shifting our focus to make sure we have solid training in the operation, not just the SAO position."