Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Nov 18/02) - 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 to 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) are homeowners in Rankin.

MLA 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 their 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," Thompson told council.

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.

"It's like Rankin Inlet is being punished by the government of Nunavut for developing training for Inuit to obtain these positions."

Kowmuk said relocating the PPD to Baker would also send a negative message to youth who watched their parents train hard to advance at their jobs.

"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."