Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Dec 03/01) - A Kivalliq regional health centre is a step closer.

The Nunavut Government and the Sakku Investment Corp. last week signed a service agreement that paves the way for work to begin on the facility in Rankin Inlet.

The contract allows Sakku, investment arm of the Kivalliq Inuit Association, to move forward on design aspects of the project.

Finance minister Kelvin Ng was one of four Nunavut ministers on hand for the Nov. 25 signing.

Ng said the original plan -- stemming from the days of the GNWT -- called for the regional health centre to be a lease facility.

He said the Government of Nunavut will eventually own the facility.

"There will be a buyback provision. It's just a matter of when that will take place," said Ng.

"It may be set up to happen at the end of the lease, through prepayments during the lease or at any time to allow for that buyout.

"Those are the details we'll work out in the development and final lease agreement."

Ng said the final development and lease agreement is expected to be announced during the next 30 to 90 days.

"Those agreements will include final costing on the project, successor rights, buyback provisions, etc."

In a written statement, Sakku chairperson Peter Tatty thanked the NG and Sakku personnel for their efforts.

"Through working arrangements such as these, we are able to forge valuable partnerships with the Government of Nunavut," said Tatty.

"We will look forward to constructing a facility that will be an excellent resource for the Kivalliq."

Tatty declined any further comment when contacted by the News/North.