Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Nov 13/02) - The hamlet of Rankin Inlet is in an uproar over the government of Nunavut's plans to relocate employees of the Petroleum Products Division (PPD) to Baker Lake.

The potential move came about after the tabling of the Ikuma report, which suggests the amalgamation of the PPD with the Nunavut Power Corp.

A total of 16 jobs would be lost in Rankin, 11 of which are held by beneficiaries.

Fourteen employees signed a petition against the move, indicating they would not relocate to Baker.

Ten of the employees (nine Inuit) own homes in Rankin.

Manitok Thompson appeared before hamlet council on Nov. 4 to discuss the issue. Thompson said both she and fellow Rankin MLA Jack Anawak have voiced concerns to Premier Paul Okalik.

"I have no problem with Baker Lake getting jobs, but I do have a problem with people being removed from Rankin - both Inuit and non-aboriginal - who are comfortable in their community," said Thompson

"These are experienced and dedicated employees we're talking about, and I don't want to lose these jobs or any of these people from the community."

Coun. Laura Kowmuk said many of the PPD employees are Inuit who worked hard to move into high-level positions.

Kowmuk said she's worried about the social impact the relocation would have on the community, and Inuit who strived to make a better life for themselves.

"These Inuit have worked hard for these positions and then the government yanks the jobs out from under their feet," said Kowmuk.

"It's like Rankin Inlet is being punished ... for developing training for Inuit to obtain these positions."

Kowmuk said relocating the PPD to Baker would also send a negative message.

"The youth watch their parents do all this work only to be put into a position where they have to move or lose their job.

"The feeling I get from our premier is that anytime Rankin tries to succeed, the government yanks the opportunities away from us.

"Let's see some jobs taken from Iqaluit."